The Chicago Blackhawks like Bowen Byram.
According to a recent article published by Scott Powers of The Athletic, Byram is a defenseman who fits the mold of what Chicago is looking for this offseason. The 25-year-old is set to enter the second season of a two-year contract at $6.25MM AAV, coming off a career year with the Buffalo Sabres, scoring 11 goals for 42 points, both career-high totals. The former fourth-overall pick served as a key piece who rounded out the Sabres’ top-4 defensive core on the left side en route to the team’s first playoff appearance since 2010-11.
The sense is that Chicago has future capital that they could offer in a deal with Buffalo, but in speaking to Powers’ colleague Matthew Fairburn, he tells that Buffalo would ideally be looking for a forward to replace the potential loss of Alex Tuch to the market, and that draft picks and prospects are a doubtful return Sabres would want. The Blackhawks have above $40MM in cap space this summer, and the acquisition of Byram would make him their highest-paid blueliner for next season and beyond, pending an extension for the former Stanley Cup Champion.
Additional Notes:
- Viktor Arvidsson was one of seven unrestricted free agents who scored more than 20 goals in the 2025-26 season. According to Pierre LeBrun’s rumblings, Arvidsson, who totaled 54 points in 69 games, and the Bruins have remained in talks regarding an extension to keep him in Boston. He senses that Bruins GM Don Sweeney is keen on returning the 33-year-old forward in black and gold, but wonders if the sides can get comfortable on term. AFP Analytics has his next contract projection at a two-year deal, around $4.9MM AAV, which would be his highest career cap hit, beating a former $4.25MM cap hit inked on a seven-year deal between his playing days in Los Angeles and before that, the Nashville Predators.
- Speaking of the Predators, one of the organization’s top prospects, Cameron Reid, committed to the University of Michigan, as he announced on his Instagram. The 21st overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft ended his third season in the OHL, scoring 56 points in 57 games and adding 14 points in 18 playoff games. He captained his Kitchener Rangers squad to an OHL championship and a CHL Memorial Cup victory. Head Coach Brandon Naurato adds a key piece to the Wolverines’ back end next season, as Reid joins fellow Predators goalie prospect Jack Ivankovic, also a former OHLer, along with forwards Malcolm Spence and Henry Mews from the Ontario League. Michigan will look to defend its Big 10 postseason title and push for an NCAA title game after losing to Denver in the Frozen Four.
