Defenseman Remains a Sabre, For Now
Bowen Byram has signed a new two year, $12.5 million dollar contract with the Buffalo Sabres. The 24 year old defender was a RFA but seemed to have one foot out the door this off season. (much like JJ Peterka) He sought big money and the opportunity to be a true number one defenseman. The two sides avoided a salary arbitration hearing that the Sabres elected.
Why did he sign? Well Buffalo still owns his rights for starters. This deal takes the player right to unrestricted free agency though. In two years Byram will control his own destiny. Meanwhile, the Sabres still get a possible two full years out of the player. Good fortune and a playoff birth or two could influence Bo into staying beyond that. That seems unlikely but the team can cross that bridge if they get there.
This signing makes Byram attractive and affordable for most teams that were interested already. So a deal to move him could still be had. Trade talks with Calgary might resume as one potential landing spot. Two seasons of Bo at $6.25 million is much better than the rumored $9 million he was seeking.
For now, Byram remains a Sabre and looks to play top pairing with Rasmus Dahlin. We hope to hear from Sabres GM Kevyn Adams soon so we have a better idea of the situation.
In his first full season with the team, Byram had 38 points, 117 blocked shots and was 2nd among defensemen in ice time at 22:42 per game.