Buffalo Sabres Offseason Transition
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres find themselves in a transitional phase this offseason, with key decisions looming over their roster, particularly concerning restricted free agent Bowen Byram. After trading away forward JJ Peterka—a 23-year-old emerging player—to the Utah Grizzlies in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan, Sabres’ General Manager Kevyn Adams still faces the challenge of securing Byram’s services.
Byram’s Importance and Contract Negotiations
The 24-year-old defenseman played a crucial role alongside Buffalo’s defensive core last season but remains unsigned as the summer progresses, raising the stakes of offer sheet proposals from other teams.
With the start of July, the urgency has heightened for the Sabres. However, Adams reassured fans and stakeholders that the organization is fully prepared to match any potential offer sheet that Byram might receive, stating,
“Absolutely. That’s why the moves we’ve made and the position that we’ve put ourselves in from a cap perspective has been strategic.”
Adams is keenly aware of the delicate balance required to manage the salary cap while leaving sufficient room for potential contracts without compromising the team’s competitive edge. Currently, Buffalo has $12.8 million in cap space, along with 22 players signed, indicating fiscal space to accommodate Byram if needed.
Future Prospects and Team Vision
Adams emphasized that trading Byram for future picks was not preferable, as the team views him not just as a player but as a significant contributor to their aspirations.
“We’re not in a situation where we’re looking to move him out or looking to move him for futures,”
he explained.
Byram, who was selected fourth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche and was part of the squad that clinched the Stanley Cup, joined the Sabres in a deal last season that saw Casey Mittelstadt go to Colorado. Having played all 82 games and posted a career-high 38 points in his last season, Byram has established himself as a vital asset for any push toward success.
Optimism for the Future
Negotiations with Byram’s representation are ongoing, and Adams maintains a positive outlook, indicating that Byram’s character and commitment will prevail regardless of the contract discussions.
“What I know about Bo is if he’s back, he’s going to be all in and try to help us win,”
Adams affirmed following the NHL draft. As discussions continue, both Adams and the organization remain optimistic about finding a mutually beneficial resolution that aligns with their ultimate goal—enhancing the team’s chances to secure victories next season.
