Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Despite the Buffalo Sabres originally choosing to go to arbitration with defenseman Bowen Byram, both sides were able to come to terms on a new two-year contract late Monday night. The deal carries an average annual value of $6.25 million.
It was first reported by Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman more than a week ago that the Sabres elected to go to arbitration with Byram, which put a halt to any chance at a potential offer sheet being thrown toward Byram.
With the new deal, the Sabres avoid having to go to arbitration with Byram.
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Byram appeard in all 82 games for the Sabres last season, posting career high totals in average ice time (22:42), assists (31), points (38), plus-minus (+11) and blocked shots (116).
Byram played mostly with Rasmus Dahlin over the course of the season, but did played in a number of situations while at even strength, on the penalty kill and even some time on the power play.
The Sabres were able to outscore their opponents, 80-66, with Byram on the ice.
The 24-year-old was acquired by the Sabres at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche that sent forward Casey Mittelstadt the other way. Since joining Buffalo, Byram has totaled 47 points (10+37) and a plus-10 rating in 100 games.
Byram was drafted by the Avalanche fourth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, and went on to play four seasons in Colorado. He was also part of the group that went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2022.