The good news is that the Buffalo Sabres signed Bowen Byram to a two-year extension for a $6.25 million AAV. Not a bad deal, and one that implies Byram will stick around for another two seasons.
But, for teams that don't figure to contend, we know how this story may unfold. Byram is only locked in until the end of the 2026-27 season, and it means he could be a short-term fix for a team that needs a top-four defenseman at some point in 2025-26 should the Sabres stumble out of the gate.
This means Byram could only be around for a matter of months, and won't be part of the Blue and Gold's future plans. Still, despite the implied pessimism, we still need to carry a sense of optimism. The first of which is that it's all but guaranteed Byram will be part of the Sabres lineup going into the season, and that's huge.
Now, Buffalo has a legit top four that includes Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Byram, and Michael Kesselring. Or, at least that's the top four I'd roll with. Add in a healthy Mattias Samuelsson, and the newly-acquired Conor Timmins, and the Sabres may have an underrated group on the blue line.
While a Bowen Byram trade is still possible, he makes the Sabres blue line better
If the Sabres elected to trade Byram this summer as opposed to signing him, the team's blue line would've been beyond murky. Who would've lined up alongside Rasmus Dahlin on the top pairing? Then, there's the burning question of who'd step up. Jacob Bryson? Zachary Jones? My optimism here would be gone.
I'm feeling a lot better if I'm the Sabres with Byram likely factoring into the top pairing, and giving support to a blue line that desperately needs it. And honestly, if the Sabres found the right replacement for JJ Peterka, then this team could turn a few heads, much like the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators did last season.
There are a few names I'd have on my shortlist that are in-house. Zach Benson is heading into Year 3 and could find himself on the top line. Josh Norris, when healthy, can be an underrated scorer. And Jiri Kulich, who showed promise last season, may take another step forward as he steamrolls into Year 2.
There needs to be more optimism in Buffalo with Bowen Byram on board
No, Byram's not a game-changer, nor will he shift a franchise's fortunes. But he'll provide more than just a solid presence, and one that can factor in just under the elite level. That's huge if you're the Sabres, especially with Rasmus Dahlin already there and Owen Power showing off elite potential.
Again, one of the forwards needs to step up and fill the void Peterka left. Should that occur, and if Alex Tuch and Jason Zucker keep putting up reliable play, and Ryan McLeod takes another step forward, this Sabres team isn't one I'd count out.
Just a few weeks ago, I had zero hope in this team. But now, after really scrutinizing them, they're not half-bad on paper. Still, the vibes tell me that, if the Blue and Gold want Byram to stick around and even fulfill his two-year deal with the Sabres, playing good hockey is the only option. If not, then he'll finish out that contract somewhere else.
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