The Buffalo Sabres today chose salary arbitration for restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
The moves means Byram, 24, is no longer eligible to sign an offer sheet.
In team-elected arbitration, the player picks the term of the award. For example, Byram could chose a two-year contract and become an unrestricted free agent when the deal expires.
The sides, of course, could complete a new contract before their hearing.
He’s one of the Sabres’ three unsigned restricted free agents. Defenseman Conor Timmins, who on Saturday filed for arbitration, and goalie Devon Levi also need new contracts.
Byram had his own arbitration rights but did not use them.
With captain Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power entrenched on the blue line, there’s speculation Byram could be traded to acquire a first- or second-line forward.
While offer sheets to RFAs rarely materialize, teams possibly deemed Byram, having established himself as one of the NHL’s top young defensemen, worthy of one.
General manager Kevyn Adams said last week the Sabres would match any offer sheet to Byram.
Byram enjoyed a career-best season in 2024-25, compiling seven goals, 38 points and a plus-11 rating in 82 games. He just finished a two-year, $7.7 million contract.
The deadline for team-elected arbitration was 5 p.m today.
The Utah Mammoth chose arbitration for center Jack McBain to arbitration, according to Friedman.
Hearings will be held from July 20 to Aug. 4.