Byram Passes on Big Extension — Wants to Earn It First

The Buffalo Sabres chose to re-sign defenseman Bowen Byram on a two-year, $12.5 million bridge deal after shopping him for most of the offseason. Byram indicated in an interview late last week that after some tough negotiating, he is glad to have the contract situation squared away and is looking forward to the upcoming season.

"i just think for me, it works well. I still think i have a lot of room to grow as a player and a person. and i see myself continuing to get better." Byram said to Sabres Live hosts Brian Duff and Martin Biron. "It kind of gives me another chance to sign, whether it's one or two more deals down the road in the future. I'm just happy it's done and out of the way now and I can focus on getting prepared for the season, getting back with the guys and getting on the ice."

The signing appears to set in stone the Sabres blueline for the upcoming season, with Byram likely partnering with team captain Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power pairing with newly acquired righty Michael Kesselring, and Mattias Samuelsson slotting in on the bottom pairing with another acquired blueliner in Conor Timmins. Timmins is a restricted free agent and will have a arbitration hearing between July 20 and August 4.

It does not rule out the possibility of a trade down the road. If the Sabres struggle once again, next season’s trade deadline would be the club’s best opportunity to maximize their return, since they would have him under contract for another year. Byram’s new deal does not include any no-trade protection, making it easier for Sabres GM Kevyn Adams or a successor to trade the young defenseman before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in July 2027.