The Buffalo Sabres have had a comparatively quiet offseason. Despite missing the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, they didn’t make many wholesale changes to their roster. They traded away JJ Peterka for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan of their biggest move. But Bowen Byram and the potential of a suggestion sheet is the most recent drama coming from the Sabres camp. In keeping with Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, a suggestion sheet is not going to be happening with Byram.
“Buffalo elected salary arbitration with Bowen Byram, Utah with Jack McBain,” Friedman reported. What does that mean? “Now, neither player can sign a suggestion sheet. For the reason that team took them to [arbitration], the player (and agent) pick the term of the award. In the event that they wish, each could select two-year deals and go on to unrestricted free agency. Still time to choose.”
The Sabres can still trade Byram this offseason, but Friedman indicated on his 32 Thoughts Podcast that Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams was not a fan of the returns offered to him. He also said that Byram has not requested a trade, which Peterka did. That may lead to a contract through arbitration, but that may not solve the entire problems.
Arbitration can end in a one-year or two-year contract, and the player decides the term. So if Byram and his agent desire a one-year deal, he shall be a restricted free agent again. But in the event that they select a two-year term, Byram could play the 2 years with the Sabres before reaching unrestricted free agency.
The Sabres did pick up Kesselring within the Peterka trade, in order that they could afford to lose Byram and still have depth on the blue line. But they need talented players and are committed to keeping the young defender. This is way from the last step within the Byram-Sabres drama.
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