Bowen Byram stuns NHL fans by inking new deal with Buffalo Sabres, skipping arbitration drama(Credit: Getty Images) The NHL offseason just got a jolt of electricity on Monday night. Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has officially avoided salary arbitration after signing a two-year contract extension worth $12.5 million total ($6.25 million AAV). This late-night agreement puts a temporary end to a saga full of trade rumors, emotional swings, and even whispers of offer sheets.
Bowen Byram avoids arbitration with a last-minute deal
Byram, originally the fourth-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, has been under the microscope ever since being traded to Buffalo in March 2024 in exchange for forward Casey Mittelstadt. Since joining the Sabres, Byram’s situation has been anything but quiet. NHL insiders suggested he was unhappy in Buffalo, sparking waves of trade chatter.
Former Avalanche star signs 2-year, $12.5M extension
The Sabres confirmed the deal moments after NHL insider Elliotte Friedman broke the story. The contract leads Byram straight to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027, providing both sides with short-term security while keeping long-term options open.Byram has built an impressive NHL resume. In 246 career games, he’s tallied 33 goals and 110 points, proving his offensive value from the blue line. At just 24 years old, he remains one of the league’s most promising two-way defensemen.
NHL offseason rumors silenced; for now, and, Andrew Mangiapane’s role in Buffalo’s summer shuffle
Meanwhile, Andrew Mangiapane, forward for the Calgary Flames, watches the summer shakeups closely. Though not involved in any direct deals, players like Mangiapane know how a single move, like Byram’s extension , can ripple across the league. Teams adjusting their cap space or depth charts could suddenly make calls involving other veterans or breakout stars.Still, questions remain. Is Byram happy in Buffalo long-term? Or is this just a bridge deal before he looks elsewhere in 2027? For now, the Sabres have avoided an arbitration battle. But the clock is ticking. And in the NHL, nothing stays quiet for long.Also Read: NHL trade buzz: Montreal Canadiens targeting $50M Tampa Bay Lightning star Anthony Cirelli to strengthen top six