Could the Blues Trade for Bowen Byram?
Could the St. Louis Blues be interested in acquiring Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram? Over the past year, the Blues have reshaped their blue line with the additions of Philip Broberg and Cam Fowler. Now, could they be eyeing another defenseman looking for a fresh start?
Byram, 23, is already on his second team in just three years, and according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, he may soon be looking for a new home again.
Friedman discussed Byram’s future with Buffalo on a recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, revealing that the Sabres are currently assessing his market value. With two years left before Byram becomes an unrestricted free agent, the Sabres aren’t under immediate pressure to move him. However, Friedman confirmed that Byram’s name has been circulating in trade rumors.
Friedman also pointed out that Byram recently switched agents, which often sparks speculation.
Buffalo acquired Byram from Colorado in a trade involving Casey Mittelstadt at the 2023 trade deadline. Drafted fourth overall by Colorado in 2019, Byram still carries significant potential, though he hasn’t quite lived up to the high expectations at the NHL level.
When a former top pick becomes available, especially one as young as Byram, teams will inevitably take interest. A player with his potential could help many teams, but the fit needs to be right.
For the Blues, the situation is a bit complicated. They already have five defensemen signed with cap hits of at least $4 million for next season. Both Nick Leddy and Cam Fowler are free agents after this year, potentially opening up room for Byram, though Fowler has expressed interest in staying in St. Louis. The Blues also have depth options in Kyle Tucker and Matthew Kessel.
CapWages projects Byram could land a five-year deal with a cap hit just over $7 million, though he could also opt for a shorter contract.
Considering all these factors, while the Blues could theoretically be in the mix for Byram, it would be a tricky trade to pull off. The return would need to make sense for both sides, making this deal unlikely for now.
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