The New York Rangers endured a tough 2024‑25 NHL season, finishing with a 39‑36‑7 record and missing the playoffs for the first time in four years despite a strong start to the campaign. With Mike Sullivan taking over as the new head coach and Igor Shesterkin remaining the team’s centerpiece, the franchise had reportedly shown interest in a key player from the Buffalo Sabres.
Shesterkin remains the cornerstone of the Rangers. In late 2024, he signed an eight‑year, $92 million extension, with an average annual salary of $11.5 million—making him the highest‑paid goaltender in NHL history.
The Rangers are showing that championship teams are built from the back end out, and with their star goalie secured, rumors had surfaced suggesting they were looking to strengthen Sullivan’s defense corps. However, a recent update has now shut down that possibility.
Who were the Rangers looking to acquire?
While speculation linked the Rangers to Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram, NHL insider Peter Baugh has debunked that rumor. The Athletic columnist dismissed the notion that New York was seriously pursuing Byram.
Bowen Byram of the Sabres
“The Rangers have never appeared to be one of the key players in the Byram sweepstakes, and at this point, it’s hard to make much sense of it. Byram just signed a two‑year extension with Buffalo, so the Rangers would need to significantly clear cap space to make room,” Baugh reported.
see also
NHL News: NY Rangers, Mike Sullivan urged to reach Artemi Panarin extension before he hits free agency
Byram’s situation in Buffalo
Byram recently signed a two‑year, $12.5 million contract with the Sabres. Still, Buffalo is reportedly looking to add offensive depth and may be open to moving the defenseman in exchange for a forward. While trade possibilities remain on the table, the Rangers are no longer part of that discussion.
