Buffalo Sabres RFA defenseman Bowen Byram is a prime target for an offer sheet this summer. The talk surrounding the 24-year-old Byram is his propensity to sign an offer sheet.
The problem is not the offer sheet itself, nor is it Byram signing it. The problem lies in the compensation that comes with signing one.
Allow me to delve into why this situation would be a disaster for the Buffalo Sabres.
Let’s start from the top. Losing Bowen Byram is bad enough. He’s emerged as one of the best young blueliners in the game. He’s shown he’s ready for prime time and could be a cornerstone piece for just about any team.
Assuming Byram definitely won’t re-sign with the Sabres, the best course of action is to move him in return for useful pieces moving forward.
Therein lies the dilemma.
The asking price for Byram is reportedly high. The Sabres are looking to recoup pieces that would help the team win now, not future.
That’s why the compensation for an offer sheet doesn’t make sense
Byram made $3.85 million against the cap this past season. That was a fine cap hit. However, Byram is believed to be worth upwards of $9 million AAV. That’s not a problem, either. The Sabres have the cap space to sign Byram.
The compensation for an offer sheet above $9 million AAV is a first, second, and third-round pick. That’s not a bad haul. But again, the Sabres are trying to win this season. The club is seeking to get out of the Atlantic Division cellar.
Getting three draft picks for Byram isn’t going to achieve that aim. Yes, they are valuable assets, but not what the Sabres are looking for now.
Unless the Sabres could translate those picks into useful assets, the picks would be nothing more than lottery tickets moving forward.
Buffalo Sabres prepared to match offer sheets
Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has been vocal about his willingness to match an offer sheet for Bowen Byram.
That’s a commendable attitude, but an unnecessary one.
If Byram were gung-ho about signing in Buffalo, it’s safe to assume he would have already inked a deal. But that hasn’t happened yet. There’s no telling what the precise roadblock could be. But you have to wonder why a deal hasn’t been reached yet.
So, if the Sabres matched an offer sheet, would that mean forcing Byram to stay on a team he doesn’t want to play for?
It’s an interesting thought to consider. While the Sabres may be reluctant to let Byram walk away, even with the compensation in hand, matching an offer sheet may end up causing more harm than good.
In the end, the Sabres are stuck in a catch-22. If they let Byram go, they risk getting an underwhelming return. If they hold on to him, they risk getting an unhappy camper in the locker room.
One thing is certain. The Sabres risk an unmitigated disaster regardless of how the Bowen Byram conundrum plays out.