Flyers Trade Rumors: Sabres' Bowen Byram Heads to Philly in Proposed Deal

Could the Flyers look to trade for Sabres RFA Bowen Byram?

With new head coach Rick Tocchet incoming, the Philadelphia Flyers are looking to take a big step forward next season, and it'll start with some work on the roster by GM Danny Briere this summer.

And while a front-line center is one of the biggest priorities, adding another big piece on the blueline will be another. When perusing the top available unrestricted free agents that could be available, there isn't one name on defense that would fit with the Flyers' timeline.

But having a look at the RFA list, a few names pop out. Forget about Evan Bouchard, that one isn't happening. But just a few spots down on the RFA rankings, we come across one very realistic target that suits what the Flyers are looking for.

William James of Philly Hockey Now suggests that the Buffalo Sabres' Bowen Byram should be seriously considered, and he even proposes a deal that could get it done.

He uses the recent insider report we shared from David Pagnotta that pointed to a potential move by the Sabres this offseason to use Byram as a piece to bolster other areas in the lineup: like a top-six forward.

Philadelphia Flyers receive:

Bowen Byram, D

Buffalo Sabres receive:

Owen Tippett, RW

Tippett, 26, has posted three consecutive 20-goal seasons since coming to the Flyers, and he "has a very intriguing skillset that could make him a staple in Buffalo for a long time. He also fits their timeline," writes James.

Tippett has a whopping seven years to run on a $6.2 million AAV. That will likely be a bit of a cheaper cap hit than Byram will command on a new contract. If Tippett, the former No. 10 overall selection in the NHL Draft can take another step forward with more responsibility in Buffalo, that AAV would look like a bargain with the soaring salary cap in coming years.

Would Bowen Byram be a good fit for the Philadelphia Flyers?

James figures that if this hypothetical deal came to fruition, the 24-year-old Byram "would pair nicely with Travis Sanheim on the top-pair for the Flyers on the left side."

Byram has shown offensive potential, registering a career-high 38 points this past season, with his personal-best plus/minus rating of +11 demonstrating his abilities to be a strong two-way player on defense as well.

This proposed trade could be a win-win for both the Sabres and Flyers.