Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres reportedly become trade partners for defenseman Bowen Byram
Photo credit: Amy Irvin / Hockey Writers
A new report suggests the Detroit Red Wings and the Buffalo Sabres could become trade partners for defenseman Bowen Byram.
Adding a top-four right-handed defenseman before the start of training camp would be a smart move by Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman. In order to reach the next step of the rebuild, AKA going back to the playoffs, it seems obvious that changes at the blue line are necessary in Detroit.
According to a new trade proposal, the Wings could complete a trade with the Buffalo Sabres involving Bowen Byram.
Red Wings Looking To Acquire Bowen Byram From The Buffalo Sabres?
Per Heavy.com, the trade would send Byram to the Red Wings for Andrew Copp, Jonatan Berggren, and a 2026 second-round pick.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period confirmed that Byram, despite inking a fresh two-year, $6.25 million extension, is still very much on the trade block:
"Even with a new 2-year contract under his belt, Bowen Byram remains a prime candidate for the Sabres to move at some point this off-season. It's unclear what they are looking for, at this stage, but Buffalo's desire is to add a top-six forward."
The 24-year-old Byram, originally drafted fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019, scored 38 points in 82 games last season and averaged more than 22 minutes per night.
"You try to force it or chase it, there's too many years, too many dollars or you give up too much in a trade. Just wait for the right player, the right opportunity, whether it is in a trade or in free agency, to add to our lineup and use our assets wisely if we can."
With over $12 million in available cap space, Detroit is in a strong position to absorb Byram's contract. More importantly, Yzerman has identified defense as a key target:
"What we could use right now is a defenseman, a top-four, and preferably a right shot. But it doesn't have to be a right shot because we can move these guys around a little bit, but that would be our biggest potential need."
Updates will follow.
TRENDING NOW
