Bowen Byram's reunion with the Avalanche is no longer a mystery

Byram's name has been circulating around many trade rumours, but ultimately chose to stay in Buffalo.

The 6-foot-1 left-shot defenseman is coming off a two-year, $7.7 million contract that carried a $3.85 million cap hit. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2026-27 season.

Byram recorded a career-best 38 points (seven goals, 31 assists) in 82 games last season, marking his first full campaign with the Sabres. He was acquired by Buffalo in a trade with the Avalanche on March 6, 2024, in exchange for forward Casey Mittelstadt.

Byram also led the Sabres in blocked shots last season with 117 and ranked second among their defenseman in average ice time, logging 22:42 per game.

Chosen by the Avalanche with the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Byram has accumulated 110 points (33 goals, 77 assists) over 246 regular-season games with Colorado and Buffalo. He's also tallied 12 assists in 27 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances, including nine in 20 games during the Avalanche's 2022 championship run.

A native of Cranbrook, B.C., Byram represented Canada at the 2024 IIIHF World Championship, where he notched a goal and five points en route to a fourth-place finish. He also suited up for Canada at the World Junior Championship twice, earning a gold medal in 2020 and a silver in 2021.

Source:
NHL.com
Byram signs 2-year, $12.5 million contract with Sabres