Byram joins a familiar face in Chicago – forward Connor Bedard – who gave the newly acquired defenseman a phone call on Tuesday night welcoming him to the organization. A native of Cranbrook, British Columbia, Byram has previously trained in the offseason with Bedard, who hails from Vancouver, British Columbia. “I’ve skated with him a few times in the summer in Vancouver,” Byram stated. “I also played World Championships with him. I’m super excited to get the opportunity to play with him. Everyone knows how good of a player he is. I’ll do my best to contribute to his success and the team’s success however I can.
According to Davidson, Byram’s acquisition could be felt by Chicago’s entire roster, especially Bedard. “Connor appreciates the type of player that Bo is because he can provide support,” Davidson explained. “[Byram’s] going to be eating big minutes, transporting pucks and creating offense for our team. I think that’s something that appeals to Connor and appeals to our group at large.”
The blueliner is coming off the most productive season of his NHL career, posting a career-high 42 points (11G, 31A) in 82 regular-season games for the Sabres, while tying career highs with 11 goals and 31 assists. Davidson added that he expects Byram will have an instant impact and a smooth transition to the Blackhawks roster. “It’s immediate help,” Davidson described. “It makes us a better team. He’s a proven, legitimate top of the lineup defenseman that we feel can play every situation, step in and be an offensive play driver for us. He fits our style of play, and he fits the age range for our players. We believe in this guy.”