Bowen Byram agreement eases Sabres’ off-season churn. Two-year term anchors BUF’s blueline and dampens talk of a defensive overhaul, giving fantasy managers a steadier floor in BUF exposure. Mason McTavish’s status is tied to Zegras’ fate; with Zegras moved, McTavish could become even more central, but interest would spike if Anaheim shops him. Marco Rossi’s market remains intriguing but quiet, with Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild viewers circling, while Pavel Zacha and Nick Suzuki hover as notable trade rumors. The August cap space lull persists, signaling that veteran centers may fetch premium, keeping rosters dynamic but not reckless. Fantasy takeaway: monitor stability at the top of lines, and be ready for late-summer shifts that could unlock or cap upside for mid-tier centers.

Canucks and Wild discussions around Rossi hint at a broader, patient market where teams chase value without overspending. Suzuki’s hypothetical two-center pairing with McTavish would be among the most interesting offseason pivots for fantasy rosters, potentially elevating both players if it comes to pass. The overall tone is quiet on major deals, but the right move could rapidly rewrite a few teams’ middle-of-the-lineup plans. In this environment, rostering players with clear, established roles and locked-in power-play opportunities remains the wisest path for fantasy success as August rolls on.

Bowen Byram's recent two-year, $12.5 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres secures his place in the team until 2026, yet his long-term future remains uncertain. As he approaches unrestricted free agency, trading him may become challenging for the Sabres, as potential suitors are likely to wait until he is closer to free agency. Although Byram expressed satisfaction with the resolution of his contract negotiations, the Sabres could regret not capitalizing on his negotiating rights earlier in the summer.

The NHL offseason continues to heat up with significant player movements and contract negotiations. Lukas Dostal has signed a five-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks, avoiding arbitration and solidifying his role as the team's starting goalie following the departure of John Gibson. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks for a future draft pick, adding depth to their forward lineup after Joshua's recovery from surgery. The Columbus Blue Jackets face a potential shakeup as Yegor Chinakhov has requested a trade, citing issues with the coaching staff.

In other news, the Sabres re-signed Bowen Byram, ensuring a key player remains in their defensive corps. Salary arbitration filings are in progress, with players like Dostal and Gabriel Vilardi among those who submitted requests. With the offseason in full swing, teams are still navigating trades and contract extensions as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Buffalo Sabres have secured defenseman Bowen Byram with a two-year contract worth $12.5 million, averaging $6.25 million annually, successfully avoiding arbitration.

Byram joined the Sabres from the Colorado Avalanche during the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, exchanging him for Casey Mittelstadt. In his first season with Buffalo, he played all 82 games, scoring seven goals and adding 31 assists while showing his worth with 116 blocked shots. Despite this success, trade rumors swirl around him due to his position on the third pairing.

This new contract positions Byram for potential unrestricted free agency by the end of the 2026-27 season, maintaining ongoing speculation about his future with the Sabres. His contract is seen as movable, making him a target for teams needing defensive depth, with speculation that he could fill a gap for teams like the St. Louis Blues.

The Buffalo Sabres have successfully re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram to a two-year contract worth $12.5 million, avoiding arbitration. This deal brings Byram's cap hit to $6.25 million per season through the 2026-27 NHL season. The 24-year-old defenseman is coming off a breakout season where he recorded career highs with 31 assists and 38 points while playing all 82 games. Byram has also displayed defensive prowess, registering 116 blocked shots. He joined the Sabres from Colorado in exchange for center Casey Mittelstadt during the trade deadline last season and was instrumental in the Avalanche's Stanley Cup run.