As free agency slows down, a few big names remain who have yet to find a new team. But with NHL teams vying for the playoffs, every single trade matters. One name that has been popping up recently is Bowen Byram.
The defenseman recently became an RFA after his two-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres expired at the end of the 2024-25 season. Since then, a multitude of Western Conference teams have shown their interest in the LD.
But as the rumors suggest, a new team has also joined the fray to secure Byram’s services.
San Jose Sharks Emerge As the Newest Team To Pursue Bowen Byram
While the likes of the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and St. Louis Blues were all in the running for the services of Bowen, a recent report by The Fourth Period suggests that the Sharks are about to join the fray as well. GM Mike Grier has been eager to build the defense of their back line.
Grier has already added the likes of Dmitry Orlov and Nick Leddy to strengthen their defense. As of now, the Blues have been the most aggressive in their attempts to go for Byram. Despite all this, though, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is trying to retain Byram.
He has been adamant that he is willing to match any offer sheet to keep Byram in Buffalo, but it is also no surprise that he values current players over future assets. Meanwhile, Byram is looking for a long-term deal of at least $9 million a year.
The Sharks have also been making moves to clear space for Byram. While their attempt to fill the top six spots with Nikolaj Ehlers failed, they have kept defensemen Timothy Liljegren and Henry Thrun on the spot.
If they place an offer sheet for Byram, we can expect either or both to leave San Jose. The Sharks have shown a willingness to spend big bucks on the players they need for their rebuilding, and with $23 million in cap space, they have the means as well.
Defenseman Mario Ferraro also remains a top bet for the San Jose outfit to let go if the cap hit for Byram turns out to be more than expected.
The cap space will also play a key role in acquiring Byram, as, other than the Sharks, all the other teams have a tight limit on their funds. The Blues have under $1 million in their cap space. Meanwhile, the Kings have $6.7 million in cap space.
The Flames remain the only viable competitor other than the Sharks with $15 million, but with the Sharks’ chances to offer a bigger contract and a great draft class, critics feel the Sharks would be a better pick for Byram.