The future of Bowen Byram is once again up in the air, and Auston Matthews‘ Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly keeping a close watch. Although Byram recently signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres, multiple league insiders suggest the door to a trade remains wide open.
For a team like Toronto, searching for long-term stability on the blue line, Byram’s situation could present a rare opportunity. However, with the Sabres unlikely to entertain a friendly deal with a division rival, general manager Brad Treliving would need to pay a steep price to land the promising defenseman.
“Even with a new 2-year contract under his belt, Bowen Byram remains a prime candidate for the Sabres to move at some point this offseason,” reported The Fourth Period, confirming that interest across the league hasn’t cooled.
Despite new deal, Byram still viewed as trade chip
When the Sabres acquired Byram in a straight-up swap for Casey Mittelstadt, they did so believing in his potential. The former No. 4 overall pick rewarded that faith with a breakout season, posting 38 points in 82 games (7 goals, 31 assists) and cementing himself as a dynamic presence on the backend.
Bowen Byram #4 of the Buffalo Sabres in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on November 23, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Still, Buffalo’s decision to hand him only a two-year bridge deal rather than a long-term commitment suggests the team is not yet all-in. Internally, the extension may have been structured as insurance—allowing flexibility to either keep or flip the 24-year-old in the right deal.
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The Sabres aren’t short on defensive prospects, and they remain in search of forward depth to complement their core. That could lead to Byram being moved, especially if a team is willing to meet Buffalo’s asking price.
Maple Leafs’ blue line needs could trigger interest
The Maple Leafs have been linked to several defensemen this offseason, including Rasmus Andersson and Erik Karlsson, but both would require major assets and cap maneuvering. Byram, with a reasonable $6.25 million cap hit, presents a younger and arguably more long-term option.
Toronto continues to weigh how best to support or potentially replace Morgan Rielly, and Byram’s two-way upside fits that mold. The question is whether the Leafs are willing—or able—to meet Buffalo’s demands, especially with rival dynamics in play.
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For now, the situation remains fluid, but with Toronto watching intently and Buffalo remaining open to conversations, Byram’s name may soon resurface in trade talks with real traction.
