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The Buffalo Sabres re-signed defenseman Bowen Byram to a two-year contract.
The Buffalo Sabres have considered trading Bowen Byram throughout the offseason. And there is a small chance they still could. However, that chance greatly diminished recently. The Sabres signed Byram to a two-year contract extension, avoiding arbitration with the 25-year-old defenseman.
Byram had a productive season in 2024-25, his first full campaign with the Sabres. He scored seven goals and a career high 38 points for Buffalo this past season. He formed a very promising left-side combo with Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power on Buffalo’s blueline.
However, that combination is also part of the reason Byram found himself in trade rumors. Byram was the only player in that trio without a contract entering this summer. Even after this deal, he remains the only player of the three without a long-term contract.
All of these trade rumors created speculation about how Byram felt about a trade. He put that speculation to bed when speaking with reporters. He said he has been happy with his time as a Sabre, and he is pleased to have these contract discussions behind him.
“Personally, I’ve been pretty happy with my time in Buffalo,” he said, via Sabres reporter Justin Alpert. “I think I’ve mentioned it before that I’ve got an opportunity to play a bigger role and play more minutes, whether it’s the offensive side, power play, penalty kill. So, I’m happy with that.
“Just [trying] to continue to grow no matter who I’m playing with or what kind of situations I’m put into. I think, as a player, I have a lot more to give, and I’m looking forward to having that opportunity to do so.”
Bowen Byram Has High Praise for Rasmus Dahlin
Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesBowen Byram will become an unrestricted free agent after his new contract with the Buffalo Sabres expires.
Byram will likely find time on the ice next to Dahlin in 2025-26. This gives Buffalo one of the more impressive pairings in the NHL. Byram mentioned in his media availability that he hopes to support Dahlin on the ice when they skate together.
“Ras is one of the best defensemen in the world,” Byram said, via Alpert. “… When I’m playing with him, I just try to take care of the defensive side of the puck, make sure that I’m hanging back and giving him the freedom to get up ice and join the play and do his thing.”
The Sabres defenseman spoke about what it’s like to play with Dahlin, as well. Byram doesn’t want to take away from his own ability. However, he acknowledged that they work quite well together.
“I think we play quite well together. We balance each other out quite well. We both think the game in a similar way and are able to move the puck up the ice together, get the puck in our forwards’ hands. So, I really enjoy playing with him,” Byram said.
Byram Pinpoints Crucial Sabres’ Offseason Move
The Sabres defenseman also took time to address what Buffalo did as a whole. In particular, there was one move he wanted to discuss. The Sabres traded winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth before the NHL Draft in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. Byram believes Kesselring will have a major impact in Buffalo.
“The addition of Kesselring, that’ll really help us out, because we were kind of missing a big right-handed shot,” Byram said, via Alpert. “… We’ve had a lot of lefty-lefty pairs over the years, and I think we’ve done a good job with it, but having a couple more right-handed shots mixed in definitely simplifies things for us and makes it a little more easy. So, I think we’re all really excited about that acquisition.
“… Our D corps is really starting to come together, and I think it’s gonna be a strength of our team moving forward here.”
The Sabres hope they can make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026. Adding Kesselring and Doan while signing Byram are moves they believe will get them over the hump. Buffalo opens its 2025-26 season on October 9th against the New York Rangers.
Tristin McKinstry Tristin has over 10 years experience writing at various blogs. He has spent the last three years gaining professional experience in the sports media world. He currently works with ClutchPoints and Pro Football & Sports Network alongside Heavy Sports. More about Tristin McKinstry
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