Byram Situation Leaves Sabres In Limbo

The uncertainty with Buffalo Sabres and defenseman Bowen Byram could extend deep into the summer, as the club elected for salary arbitration on Sunday. This move takes an offer sheet threat off the table, but it gives Byram’s agent Darren Ferris the option of opting for a two-year deal.

Byram, 24, is two years away from unrestricted free agency, and is rumored to be looking for a trade from the Sabres since his pathway to a long-term contract extension is blocked by former top overall picks Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. A specific date for the hearing has not been scheduled, but it will take place between July 20 and August 4. GM Kevyn Adams is expected to continue trade discussions for Byram, but offers for the defenseman will have to improve or the Sabres GM has said he will be open to bringing him back next season.

“We believe Bo is an excellent hockey player that can help our team win,” Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said last week during the club’s Development Camp.. “I've maintained the same position that if there's a deal out there that makes sense for us that we think is going to improve our roster we're open to it. If there's not, we're not in a situation where we're looking to move him out or looking to move him for futures and stuff like that, for me we want to help our team win hockey games and he helps us do that.”

If the Sabres bring back Byram, they will have to find answers to replacing the 68 points moved out with the trade of JJ Peterka to Utah. Winger Josh Doan is expected to be more of a bottom-six option, and veteran Justin Danforth is slated for the fourth line, so Adams may have to explore the trade market for a scoring winger or the remaining pool of unsigned unrestricted free agents.