Byram generating interest as Sabres take calls — The Fourth Period
The Buffalo Sabres have generated interest in young stud defenceman Bowen Byram, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Speculation over Byram’s future with the Sabres reemerged this week after reports suggested Buffalo GM Jarmo Kekalainen is exploring the trade market.
Byram, 25, is set to earn $6.25 million this coming season and is eligible to sign an extension July 1. According to TFP’s David Pagnotta and ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Byram may be looking for more than $10 million, per season, on his next contract.
Several teams are believed to have interest in Byram, who currently ranks No.7 on TFP’s Summer Trade Watch List, including the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers, among others.
With the risk of losing top-six winger Alex Tuch for nothing via free agency, the Sabres could try to move Byram for an offensive replacement up front. Another motivator for the Sabres is that Byram’s contract demands may be too high for the team’s liking.
Trade talks are expected to continue and carry out throughout the rest of the month and could intensify next week leading up to the NHL Draft, which begins next Friday.
Byram registered a career-high 11 goals and tied a career high in assists with 31 for a career-high 4 points in 82 games with the Sabres this season.
