Sabres ignite controversy with former Avalanche star's contract decision
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig / Imagn Images
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres have elected to pursue salary arbitration with restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram.
As a result of this decision, the 24-year-old is no longer eligible to receive an offer sheet from another team.
Sabres ignite controversy Byram's contract decision.
Bill Hoppe from Buffalo Hockey Beast writes in cases of team-elected arbitration, it's the player who gets to choose the length of the contract awarded. For instance, Byram could opt for a two-year term, positioning himself to hit unrestricted free agency once the deal ends.
"The sides, of course, could complete a new contract before their hearing. He's one of the Sabres' three unsigned restricted free agents. Defenseman Conor Timmins, who on Saturday filed for arbitration, and goalie Devon Levi also need new contracts." -Hoppe
Although Byram had the right to file for arbitration himself, he chose not to exercise it.
With captain Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power firmly established on the blue line, there's growing speculation that Byram could be moved in a trade to help the Sabres land a first or second-line forward.
"While offers sheets to RFAs rarely materialize, teams possibly deemed Byram, having established himself as one of the NHL's top young defensemen, worthy of one. General manager Kevyn Adams said last week the Sabres would match any offer sheet to Byram. Byram enjoyed a career-best season in 2024-25, compiling seven goals, 38 points and a plus-11 rating in 82 games. He just finished a two-year, $7.7 million contract." -Hoppe
The deadline for team-elected arbitration was 5pm today. Hearings are scheduled to take place between July 20 and August 4.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 6 | 30 ANSWERS Sabres ignite controversy with former Avalanche star's contract decision Will defenseman Bowen Byram and the Buffalo Sabres come to an agreement in arbitration? | ||
| yes | 11 | 36.7 % |
| no | 19 | 63.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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