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The Chicago Blackhawks made one of the biggest moves of the NHL offseason when they acquired defenseman Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres. Now, early signs suggest both sides view the partnership as a long-term one.
Speaking after the trade, Byram made it clear that Chicago was his preferred destination.
Chicago has been “the place I wanted to end up,” Byram said, noting he grew up as a Blackhawks fan.
MORE: Blackhawks Rumors: Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies a fit beside Connor Bedard
The 25-year-old defenseman added that formal contract negotiations have not started yet, but he hopes that changes soon.
“There haven’t been any contract talks yet with the Blackhawks, but I’m eager to start them come July 1 because I plan on being in Chicago for a long time,” Byram said.
That sentiment appears to be shared by Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson.
“We’ll have to put our money where our mouth is because we believe in this guy,” Davidson said. “We believe he’s a very good player, one that can be elite.”
Davidson went even further when discussing Byram’s future, saying, “I feel very confident that we’ll be able to keep Bowen around for a very long time.”
Chicago paid a significant price to acquire Byram.
The Blackhawks sent the fourth overall pick, the 45th overall selection, and defenseman Louis Crevier to Buffalo. In return, they received Byram and veteran forward Jordan Greenway.
The move signals a major shift in philosophy.
Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Rather than waiting for another young prospect to develop, Chicago acquired a proven top-pairing defenseman entering his prime. Byram is coming off a career-best season with 11 goals and 42 points in 82 games while averaging more than 22 minutes per night.
His postseason performance was equally impressive. He recorded seven points in 13 playoff games, including 4 goals, and demonstrated the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
So, the fit is obvious, and Davidson sees that. He said, “This is a young defenseman who’s not only accomplished to this point, but is not done getting better (or) growing his own game (and) growing his own profile. He’s already one of the top 5-on-5 play drivers and that’s before he gets on the first power-play unit. We feel 100 percent wholeheartedly he can be that guy and will be that guy.
“When you take it like that, a top-pair defenseman and we feel a potential No. 1 defenseman, there aren’t many pieces around the league more valuable than that.”
The Blackhawks finished 29-39-14 last season and allowed 275 goals. Their biggest weakness remained defensive-zone play and puck management. Byram directly addresses both issues.
More importantly, he gives Connor Bedard and Chicago’s young core a legitimate top-pair defenseman to grow alongside.
The acquisition also reflects where the organization believes it is in the rebuilding process. Teams do not surrender a top-five draft pick unless they view themselves as ready to accelerate.
MORE: Blackhawks star Connor Bedard’s rise mirrors NathanMacKinnon in Colorado
With Byram expressing a desire to stay and Davidson openly discussing a long-term extension, the Blackhawks appear committed to making him a foundational piece of their next competitive roster.
Continue reading...
Speaking after the trade, Byram made it clear that Chicago was his preferred destination.
Chicago has been “the place I wanted to end up,” Byram said, noting he grew up as a Blackhawks fan.
MORE: Blackhawks Rumors: Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies a fit beside Connor Bedard
The 25-year-old defenseman added that formal contract negotiations have not started yet, but he hopes that changes soon.
“There haven’t been any contract talks yet with the Blackhawks, but I’m eager to start them come July 1 because I plan on being in Chicago for a long time,” Byram said.
That sentiment appears to be shared by Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson.
“We’ll have to put our money where our mouth is because we believe in this guy,” Davidson said. “We believe he’s a very good player, one that can be elite.”
Davidson went even further when discussing Byram’s future, saying, “I feel very confident that we’ll be able to keep Bowen around for a very long time.”
Why Bowen Byram fits the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuild?
Chicago paid a significant price to acquire Byram.
The Blackhawks sent the fourth overall pick, the 45th overall selection, and defenseman Louis Crevier to Buffalo. In return, they received Byram and veteran forward Jordan Greenway.
The move signals a major shift in philosophy.
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Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Rather than waiting for another young prospect to develop, Chicago acquired a proven top-pairing defenseman entering his prime. Byram is coming off a career-best season with 11 goals and 42 points in 82 games while averaging more than 22 minutes per night.
His postseason performance was equally impressive. He recorded seven points in 13 playoff games, including 4 goals, and demonstrated the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
So, the fit is obvious, and Davidson sees that. He said, “This is a young defenseman who’s not only accomplished to this point, but is not done getting better (or) growing his own game (and) growing his own profile. He’s already one of the top 5-on-5 play drivers and that’s before he gets on the first power-play unit. We feel 100 percent wholeheartedly he can be that guy and will be that guy.
“When you take it like that, a top-pair defenseman and we feel a potential No. 1 defenseman, there aren’t many pieces around the league more valuable than that.”
Are Blackahwks accelerating their rebuild?
The Blackhawks finished 29-39-14 last season and allowed 275 goals. Their biggest weakness remained defensive-zone play and puck management. Byram directly addresses both issues.
More importantly, he gives Connor Bedard and Chicago’s young core a legitimate top-pair defenseman to grow alongside.
The acquisition also reflects where the organization believes it is in the rebuilding process. Teams do not surrender a top-five draft pick unless they view themselves as ready to accelerate.
MORE: Blackhawks star Connor Bedard’s rise mirrors NathanMacKinnon in Colorado
With Byram expressing a desire to stay and Davidson openly discussing a long-term extension, the Blackhawks appear committed to making him a foundational piece of their next competitive roster.
Continue reading...
