Avalanche first-round star reportedly still on the trade block despite recent deal
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing / Daily Faceoff
The Buffalo Sabres signed former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram to a two-year contract extension earlier this week, but that doesn't rule out the possibility of a trade.
Byram's two-year contract has an AAV of $6.25 million.
Byram reportedly still on the trade block.
Todd Matthews from Sabre Noise writes that it's a reasonable deal that suggests Byram will stay put for the next two seasons, but for a non-contending team, we've seen this play out before. With Byram under contract only through 2026-27, he could become a valuable short-term asset for a team in need of a top-four blueliner, especially if the Sabres struggle early in 2025-26.
"This means Byram could only be around for a matter of months, and won't be part of the Blue and Gold's future plans. Still, despite the implied pessimism, we still need to carry a sense of optimism. The first of which is that it's all but guaranteed Byram will be part of the Sabres lineup going into the season, and that's huge." -Matthews
Had the Sabres opted to trade Byram this summer instead of signing him, their blue line wouldn't been left in a state of uncertainty.
"Now, Buffalo has a legit top four that includes Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Byram, and Michael Kesselring. Or, at least that's the top four I'd roll with. Add in a healthy Mattias Samuelsson, and the newly-acquired Conor Timmins, and the Sabres may have an underrated group on the blue line." -Matthews
No, Byram isn't a franchise-altering player, but he brings more than just stability, he offers a dependable presence that flirts with top-tier impact, just shy ofd elite.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 17 | 38 ANSWERS Avalanche first-round star reportedly still on the trade block despite recent deal Do you think Bowen Byram gets traded before his contract is up in 2027? | ||
| yes | 31 | 81.6 % |
| no | 7 | 18.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
