Key facts
- Bowen Byram has been acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks from the Buffalo Sabres.
- The Blackhawks traded the No. 4 and No. 45 NHL draft picks, along with defenseman Louis Crevier, to acquire Byram and forward Jordan Greenway.
- Byram expressed confidence in his readiness to step into the role of the Blackhawks' No. 1 defenseman.
- General Manager Kyle Davidson highlighted Byram's age and playing style as key factors in the acquisition.
- Jordan Greenway is expected to contribute physically and on the penalty kill.
Bowen Byram is set to become the No. 1 defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks after being acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. The Blackhawks sent the No. 4 and No. 45 selections in the NHL draft, along with defenseman Louis Crevier, to acquire Byram and forward Jordan Greenway.
Byram, who recently turned 25, expressed his readiness for the new opportunity, stating he has been preparing for such a role. Last season with Buffalo, he recorded 11 goals and a career-high 42 points. He previously played alongside notable defensemen like Cale Makar in Colorado and Rasmus Dahlin in Buffalo, never holding the top defenseman position on his team.
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson described Byram as a "really, really good young player" who fits the team's desired style of play and age range. The acquisition also means the Blackhawks will likely use their high draft pick on a forward, potentially to aid Connor Bedard, though Davidson indicated confidence in internal forward prospects. Byram has a past connection with Bedard, having skated together in the summer and played on Team Canada.
Greenway, 29, is expected to add a physical presence and penalty-killing capability to Chicago's bottom lines. He registered one goal and five assists in 40 games for the Sabres last season. Byram also noted his family history with the Blackhawks, as his father played five NHL games for the team in 1991.