Defenseman Bowen Byram has signed a two-year, $7.7 million contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres, temporarily halting persistent trade speculation. The deal, which carries an annual average value of $3.85 million, secures the 23-year-old in Buffalo and puts an end to rumors that frequently linked him to the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Flyers have long been reported as suitors for the former No. 4 overall pick. However, a high asking price combined with Byram’s extensive injury history made any potential deal a significant risk, drawing parallels to the team’s acquisition of another young, injury-prone defenseman, Jamie Drysdale.
With this new contract, Byram has an opportunity to solidify a top-four role and prove his durability. His offensive talent is well-established; he recorded 38 points last season while playing a full 82-game schedule for the first time in his career. During the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, he contributed nine points in 20 postseason games, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Despite the extension, Byram’s long-term future remains uncertain. The two-year term will lead him directly to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027. Furthermore, the contract contains no trade protection, giving the Sabres flexibility if they decide to move him before he can leave for nothing in return.
This timeline could align perfectly for an interested team like the Flyers, who are projected to have substantial salary cap space in 2027 as major contracts for players like Rasmus Ristolainen and Ryan Ellis come off the books. While Byram is committed to the Sabres for now, the structure of his new deal ensures he will remain a prominent name in trade and free-agency discussions for the foreseeable future.
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