Blackhawks Signing Bowen Byram To Shocking Extension

The Chicago Blackhawks gave up a ton to acquire defenseman Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres last week: the Nos. 4 and 45 overall picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, along with defenseman Louis Crevier. They clearly viewed 

Byram as their No. 1 blueliner for the future. Now, they're putting their money where their mouth is, as they're set to sign him to a shocking long-term extension.

Six-year extension, $12.5 M AAV per season as per @DarrenDreger for Byram in Chicago 👀 https://t.co/YDp5QPlBgZ

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2026

Six years, $12.5 million AAV is what the Hawks will be signing Byram for when he officially becomes eligible at 12 noon ET. Insiders Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun have dropped the news. 

🚨BREAKING🚨

The Blackhawks are reportedly signing Bowen Byram to a 6-year, $12.5M AAV contract extension

Reports from @DarrenDreger, @PierreVLeBrun and @reporterchris pic.twitter.com/NXTN9ruXIR

— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) July 1, 2026

Byram still has one year remaining on his $6.25 million AAV, so the new deal would kick in for the 2027-28 season. At this point, pending any further signings,  his new $12.5 million salary would make him the highest-paid defenseman in hockey, and tied for 6th overall with Connor McDavid.

Of course, that title will be short-lived, as Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes are also eligible for extensions this summer.