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The Vancouver Canucks’ chances of landing defenseman Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres this summer have taken a massive hit on Monday night.For the last month, the Vancouver Canucks have been connected to Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, who was reportedly open to heading to his home province of British Columbia for the next chapter of his National Hockey League career.
Byram, a native of Cranbrook, British Columbia, became a restricted free agent on July 1st and while he decided not to elect salary arbitration earlier this month, the Buffalo Sabres said they wanted to, which officially closed any chance of us seeing a potential offer sheet at some point this summer.
Buffalo Sabres reportedly close to signing RFA defenseman Bowen Byram
Less than two weeks after the Buffalo Sabres made their decision, it appears that the two sides will avoid heading to an arbitration hearing later this month and are getting close to completing a new contract with Byram, according to Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali.
“Hearing Buffalo and Bowen Byram will avoid arbitration, they are closing in on a new deal.” Dhaliwal said on X on Monday night.
Details regarding Bowen Byram’s new contract are now known and this is a big piece of business for the Buffalo Sabres, locking up a young, top-four defenseman, who they hope will help them eventually break their playoff drought, which currently stands at 14 seasons.
Bowen Byram and the Sabres avoid arbitration and agree to a two-year deal, per @FriedgeHNIC ✍️
As for the Vancouver Canucks, while it would’ve been a nice story to bring the 24-year-old to his home province and have him play a significant role, the cost to acquire him would’ve been a lot, there’s no question about that, and it’s unclear if Patrik Allvin would have the pieces to get a deal done with the Sabres.
In 82 games this season with the Sabres, Byram registered 38 points (seven goals, 31 assists), 46 penalty minutes and was a plus-11.
Previously on CanucksDaily
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