The Buffalo Sabres have taken a decisive step in solidifying their defensive core, announcing a two-year contract extension for defenseman Bowen Byram. The agreement, valued at $12.5 million in total with an average annual value (AAV) of $6.25 million, ensures Byram remains a key part of the team`s plans and, perhaps just as importantly, avoids the arbitration process that could have added uncertainty to the offseason.
At just 24 years old, Byram represents a significant piece of the Sabres` ongoing roster construction. He arrived in Buffalo via a trade from the Colorado Avalanche on March 6, 2024, a transaction that signaled the team`s commitment to acquiring established, young talent capable of making an immediate impact.
Since joining the Sabres, Byram has demonstrated flashes of the high-end potential that led to him being drafted fourth overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, split between Colorado and Buffalo, he recorded 38 points (7 goals, 31 assists) over 82 games, showcasing his offensive instincts and ability to contribute from the back end. His career totals stand at 110 points (33 goals, 77 assists) across 246 NHL games.
Significance of the Two-Year Term
This two-year contract is often referred to as a “bridge deal” in hockey circles. For Byram, it provides a substantial increase in salary and security compared to his entry-level contract and subsequent two-year deal, which had an AAV of $3.85 million and expired this summer. For the Sabres, it offers cost certainty on a high-upside player for two seasons while allowing both the team and player more time to evaluate his long-term trajectory and potential fit before negotiating a potentially much larger, longer contract down the road.
Byram`s pedigree, including being a member of the Colorado Avalanche`s 2022 Stanley Cup championship team, adds an element of proven success to his profile. While his time in Buffalo is still relatively short, this extension suggests the organization views him as a foundational piece moving forward.
Contract at a Glance:
- Length: 2 Years
- Total Value: $12.5 Million
- Annual Average Value (AAV): $6.25 Million
- Previous Status: Restricted Free Agent (RFA)
- Outcome: Avoided Arbitration
By securing Byram`s services for the next two seasons, the Sabres ensure continuity on their defense and retain a player with the potential to develop into a top-pairing contributor. This signing is a key piece of their offseason work as they continue to build a roster aimed at competing in the demanding NHL landscape.
