It was revealed yesterday that the Sabres have put defenseman Bowen Byram on the trade block. This does come as a shock to some, but to others, it makes sense as it doesn’t seem like the Sabres can afford him with the other players they need to sign.
Byram will be getting a 7x7 contract, which means seven years and seven million per year. With the Sabres looking to move on from Byram, here are three contenders to sign Byram and what they will get in return.
New York Rangers
Sabres receive
Urho Vaakanainen
2026 second-round pick
2027 fourth-round pick
Brody Lamb
Rangers receive
Bowen Byram
2026 fifth-round pick
The New York Rangers have been playoff contenders and Cup Contenders over the last five to eight years. This year, however, was a down year for the Rangers as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
They still have the pieces in place to be a playoff contender next year, and Byram would put them over the top. In return, the Sabres would get a second and fourth-round pick, Urho Vaakanainen, and Rangers prospect Brody Lamb.
Vaakanainen had a career year on the Rangers' third line after being traded from the Ducks, as he totaled 16 points between the two teams. Vaakanainen could be a good fit on the Sabres' second defensive pairing with Owen Power, and they would have him for two years.
The Sabres would also land prospect Brody Lamb, who is the #12 in the Rangers organization. Lamb played college hockey for the University of Minnesota this year and would be in Rochester in due time.
This trade would work for both sides as the Rangers get a first-line defenseman, and the Sabres add some solid depth pieces for the future.
Utah Mammoth
Sabres receive
2026 second and third round picks
2027 fourth-round pick
2028 second-round pick
Ian Cole
Mammoth receive
Bowen Byram
The Utah Mammoth have struggled to make the playoffs since 2020, when they were the Arizona Coyotes. They just missed out on a shot at the playoffs this year, as they fell just seven points short.
Byram could be the piece they need to strengthen their defense and make a run at the playoffs. In return, the Sabres would get an abundance of picks and Ian Cole.
Two second-round picks, a third, and a fourth-round pick would be perfect for the Sabres, as they can decide to keep those picks or use them in trade packages. Ian Cole would also be a good fit defensively for the Sabres.
Cole could serve on the second or third pairing, and brings in veteran experience that the Sabres need. Cole tallied 18 points and close to even plus-minus on a Utah team that ranked at the bottom for goals against. The Sabres would get Cole for a whole year, and could choose to trade him as well.
The Mammoth would get their franchise defenseman, and the Sabres would get a rental defenseman and plenty of draft picks to set up their future.
Anaheim Ducks
Sabres receive
2026 second-round pick
2027 second-round pick
Radko Gudas
Ducks Receive
Bowen Byram
Our last trade would see the Anaheim Ducks acquiring Byram, and the Sabres getting two picks and Radko Gudas in return. Normally, I wouldn’t suggest a team trading their captain, but in this case, I think Anaheim should go all in.
The Ducks have arguably the best young defensive core in the NHL, including Jackson LaCombe. Olen Zellweger, and Paval Mintyukov. Adding Byram would make them even better, and they would have Jacob Trouba to mentor them all.
The Sabres would get two second-round picks and Radko Gudas. Gudas has been solid in his 13-year career, and he could be exactly what Buffalo needs defensively to make them a playoff team. He could take Byram’s spot on the first pairing and be a great fit with Rasmus Dahlin.
The Ducks get another franchise defenseman, and the Sabres get a solid veteran who they can re-sign after next season, and some picks for the future.