NHL News: Sabres’ Bowen Byram reportedly at center of ‘Strong whispers’ for offer sheet feal

The Buffalo Sabres are facing increasing pressure as contract talks with Bowen Byram remain unresolved. The 24-year-old defenseman is coming off a career year and is now one of the most sought-after restricted free agents still on the market.

Byram posted 38 points and a +11 rating across 82 games last season while averaging 22:42 of ice time, emerging as a top-pairing blueliner with upside. He just completed a two-year, $7.7 million deal and is currently without a contract as free agency activity intensifies across the NHL.

This week, NHL insider Chris Johnston added fuel to the speculation during an episode of The Chris Johnston Show, reporting that there are “strong whispers” around the league that Byram could receive an offer sheet in the $7 million range—something that would test Buffalo’s resolve.

Insider suggests $7M offer sheet could be coming

“The Byram situation in particular is kind of interesting,” Johnston said on Thursday. “There are certainly whispers out there, strong whispers I’d say, of an offer sheet for Bowen Byram.”

Bowen Byram #4 of the Buffalo Sabres clears the puck during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on December 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

While no official move has been made, the suggestion of an incoming offer sheet has caught attention. Johnston noted the possibility of Byram landing a deal near the $7 million mark, a salary that would likely demand a strategic response from Buffalo.

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“If he ends up signing an offer sheet,” Johnston added, “that’s basically somewhere on that $7 million mark where he’s likely to land.“ The Sabres, with $13.6 million in cap space and two roster spots available, technically have the room to match such a deal—but the pressure is mounting.

Sabres GM’s message

In a separate media session on Wednesday, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams acknowledged the situation, making clear that the organization plans to retain Byram if possible. “We’ll be matching and have the opportunity to have a player under contract who we think helps our team win,” Adams told reporters.

However, Adams also opened the door to a potential trade if the right deal is offered: “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.”

He added: “We’re not in a situation where we’re looking to move him out for futures or anything like that. For me, we want to help our team win hockey games, and he does that.”

What comes next for Bowen Byram and the Sabres?

With Byram positioned as a future core piece, the Sabres are in no rush—but outside pressure is growing. If another club presents an offer sheet, Buffalo will be forced to make a franchise-defining decision.

Whether the whispers evolve into action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Bowen Byram’s value has never been higher, and the Sabres are on the clock.