The Buffalo Sabres remain open to all options concerning restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram. While Byram has garnered considerable interest throughout the NHL this offseason, the Sabres are focused on what option gives the team the best chance to win this fall.
“We believe Bo is an excellent hockey player that can help our team win,” said general manager Kevyn Adams. “I’ve maintained the same position that if there’s a deal out there that makes sense for us that we think is going to improve our roster, we’re open to it. But if there’s not, we’re not in a situation where we’re looking to move him out or looking to move him for futures and stuff like that. For me, we want to help our team win hockey games, and he helps us do that.”
In a trade, the Sabres would be seeking a top-six forward. A move that would only provide Buffalo with draft picks or prospects would not benefit the Sabres, who need to reach the postseason next spring. A potential offer sheet would also not provide the type of compensation the Sabres would be open to for Byram.
“That’s why the moves we’ve made and the position we’ve put ourselves in from the cap perspective has been strategic,” explained Adams. “If you leave just enough room in your cap, maybe where you see a projection on a one-year deal and someone comes over the top, you’re potentially putting your organization in a really tough spot.”
“So the moves we’ve made and the decisions we’ve made for weeks now leading up to this point, with that in mind. So we’ll be matching (an offer sheet for Byram) and have the opportunity to have a player under contract who we think helps us win.
On the signing of free agent goaltender Alex Lyon, it is viewed as one for competition. He should challenge Ukko-Pekka-Luukkonen in Buffalo. In addition, the move for Lyon will provide prospect Devon Levi with more development time in the American Hockey League in Rochester.
“He’s a proven goaltender in this ” said Adams. “I think he’s a really good veteran. A high-character guy. He’s proven in the league. He’s played well in his time in the National Hockey League. He’s going to challenge and push. We just think he helps us win hockey games.”
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