Multiple Teams Interested in Acquiring Bowen Byram

The Avalanche has attracted attention in the offseason for their reported interest in acquiring defenseman Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres. Reports from TSN’s Darren Dreger have indicated that Byram, a left-shot defenseman, is currently unable to reach a new agreement with Buffalo as he is a restricted free agent.

Byram previously signed a two-year deal with the Avalanche before being traded for Casey Mittelstadt two summers ago. However, with the Sabres already having left-shot defensemen Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson under big-money, long-term contracts, there seems to be no suitable spot for Byram on their roster.

Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams is looking to convert the potential contract issue with Byram into a playing asset, highlighting the significant interest in acquiring Byram from various NHL teams, including the Avalanche. Initially, Adams sought a right-shot defenseman as part of a trade package for Byram, but Dreger mentioned that this need was already fulfilled through another trade.

Teams like Los Angeles, Vegas, St. Louis, Vancouver, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are also reportedly interested in Byram. The Avalanche’s potential trade offers for Byram remain uncertain, especially considering the limited young assets, players with term and cost certainty, and draft picks in their possession.

Though uncertain, it is intriguing to see the Avalanche’s name linked to a possible acquisition of Byram. The return of Byram to the Avalanche lineup would be an exciting prospect if the team can navigate the complexities of a potential deal.