The Buffalo Sabres and restricted free-agent defenseman Bowen Byram will avoid arbitration after agreeing to a two-year, $12.5-million deal, the team announced Monday.
Byram recorded seven goals and a career-high 31 assists during the 2024-2025 season. Buffalo acquired the 24-year-old in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche at the 2024 trade deadline.
Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said in early July the team would've matched any offer sheet thrown Byram's way, according to ESPN.
"We believe Bo is an excellent hockey player who can help our team win," Adams said. "But ... if there is a deal out there that makes sense for us, that is going to improve our roster, we're open to it. But we're not in a situation where we're looking to move him out or move him for futures."
Byram's 22:42 average time on ice ranked second on the team behind only former first overall pick Owen Power. He was also one of only three Sabres to suit up in all 82 regular-season contests.
The six-foot-one defenseman was selected fourth overall in the 2019 draft. He has 33 goals and 77 assists across 246 career NHL games with the Avalanche and Sabres.
Byram will be eligible for unrestricted free agency when his new contract expires.
