The Buffalo Sabres have traded left-handed defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 4), 2026 second-round pick (No. 45), and left-handed defenseman Louis Crevier.
The 25-year-old Byram carries a $6.25 million salary cap hit and is in the last year of his deal. There are reports that he could be looking for $10 million-plus on an extension. He’d be a UFA after next season. He’d been stuck behind Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, and is looking for top-pairing minutes.
The 29-year-old Greenway is in the last year of his contract with a $4 million cap hit. The Blackhawks added $9.35 million to their cap in the deal.
Thoughts from the media
Cam Robinson: “I believe the Sabres will hold onto that 4th overall pick and target a centre. If Malhotra is gone, look for Viggo to find his path into the top 5.”
Chad DeDominics: “I don’t know all the details, but I believe this is going to happen too.”
Austin Stanovich: “I like both those players from BUF but holy crap what an overpay. You need to be super confident Byram is a top pair guy if that’s what you’re giving up for him.”
Charlie O’Connor: “This trade is hilarious. The last time a top-5 pick in the NHL was traded (with both teams knowing it was top-5) was 2008. 18 years ago. This doesn’t happen. GMs always chicken out. And the one that finally happens is for… Bowen Byram??? For the right to overpay him???”
