Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has been in the rumor mill for much of this season. Now, with the trade deadline rapidly approaching, Byram is a Sabres player to watch very closely over the next few days.
Byram, 23, is a pending restricted free agent who is due for a raise from his current $3.85 million contract. The 2019 fourth-overall pick has had a solid season for the Sabres, as he has seven goals, 29 points, and a plus-8 rating. With this, he has played top-pairing minutes and sees time on both their power play and penalty kill. Thus, there are clear reasons for the Sabres to sign him to an extension and keep the young blueliner around.
However, simultaneously, it has been a disappointing season for the Sabres, and they could look to shake up their core because of it. The Sabres undoubtedly need another star forward in their top six, and a valuable player like Byram could get them one. They also already have left-shot defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power both locked up for multiple years after this one, so it is fair to wonder if that could make Byram expendable for the right price.
Ultimately, the Sabres have a big decision to make. Good arguments can be made on both sides of the debate. What do you think the Sabres should do with Byram? Please vote in the poll above to share your thoughts.
