Sabres Could Keep Byram & Trade Another Defenseman Instead

Bowen Byram has been heavily in trade rumors this year, and just because he re-signed for two years with the Buffalo Sabres, some think that he is still going to be traded soon. On the other hand, it could be more of a reason to keep him while trying to move Mattias Samuelsson instead.

Nick Kypreos said that the Sabres might really be questioning Samuelsson and where he is health-wise constantly, if his salary could be moved out, and maybe find a way to keep Byram if they have success.

Samuelsson has also been in trade rumors, but not as heavily as Byram. The latter is much better, but is also signed on a better deal. Samuelsson still has five years left on his contract at $4.285 million AAV and he didn't have a great 2024-25 season. Byram played over three minutes more per game, played all 82 games, and recorded seven goals and 38 points while playing a minimum amount of minutes on the power play.

Samuelsson's contract is pretty tough to move, but at least he is 25 years old and has strong defensive capabilities. He should be able to bounce back if he stays healthy, but sometimes that is a hard ask for certain players, especially when injuries come year after year. The 62 games he played last season was his most in a season in his four years as an everyday NHLer.

Byram will likely never play the role he deserves in Buffalo as a former fourth overall pick who has shown some great potential with Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power in town. There is no immediate need to trade either one of them, but the team should be looking at any option to trade Samuelsson in the meantime. The Sabres gave themselves more time to figure out what can be done with Byram, but I think he stays for at least next season and he gets back in trade rumors next summer.