NHL Trade Rumors: Blues Eyeing Sabres Defenseman Bowen Byram
After making significant progress this season, the St. Louis Blues are expected to be active in the upcoming offseason. One area they are looking to improve is their defense, and while they’ve been linked to New York Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson, it appears they may have other key targets in mind.
According to NHL insider Darren Dreger on TSN Insider Trading, the Blues are reportedly interested in Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, along with a few other teams. Dreger mentioned that the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, and even the Toronto Maple Leafs could be in the mix for Byram as well.
This report isn’t a huge surprise, as the 24-year-old Byram would be a major asset for St. Louis. He’s a proven top-four defenseman with strong defensive skills and the ability to contribute offensively. Furthermore, Byram’s ability to play on the right side despite being a left-shot defenseman makes him even more valuable to a team like the Blues.
Looking at the Blues’ current lineup, Byram could slot into the top pairing alongside Colton Parayko if acquired. Alternatively, he could join the second pairing on the right side, paired with Philip Broberg. His versatility as a two-way player also makes him a viable option for both the power play and penalty kill, addressing potential gaps for the Blues in those areas.
In 82 games this season with the Sabres, Byram set career highs with 7 goals, 31 assists, 38 points, and a plus-11 rating. His solid numbers and continued development make him an attractive addition for the Blues, who are looking to strengthen their roster and make a push toward becoming legitimate contenders. The question now is whether their interest will lead to a deal for the talented defenseman.
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