Bowen Byram -- the exciting, young defenseman on the Buffalo Sabres -- may be available via trade. Reports emerged on July 3 that the St. Louis Blues are one of the most aggressive teams in the NHL in their pursuit of Byram.
Should the Blues pursue a trade for Byram? Is he a good fit for the team they're trying to build? What should they be willing to give up in return, and what should be off-limits?
Check out this recent episode of Note News, where we break down the moves the Blues have made this offseason and discuss what could come next:
What does Byram provide?
A former 4th overall pick in 2019, Byram has long been considered an exciting defenseman with high upside. In 5 NHL seasons, Byram has shown top-4 potential and even top-pair flashes. Across those 5 seasons, Byram has scored 33 goals and 110 points in 246 games, and in 2024-25, he scored 7 goals and a career-high 38 points.
Byram has a real offensive edge to his game. His skating and puck-moving skills are particularly impressive, and his goal-scoring and finishing abilities are top-tier. Byram has also proven he can handle big minutes, averaging 20:59 TOI in his career and 22:42 TOI in 2024-25.
However, Byram also has his flaws. At times, concussions have forced him to miss significant time, although he hasn't had those issues for a couple of years. Defensively, he is below average, both at even strength and on the penalty kill. He does a poor job of preventing opposing skaters from entering the defensive zone, doesn't hit well, and is bad at retrieving the puck.
Realistically, Byram is probably a second-pairing defenseman, but he's still young (24 years old) and could feasibly improve where he needs to.
Is Byram a good fit for the Blues?
Doug Armstrong and the Blues are clearly trying to get younger, particularly on the blue line, as they remold the team for the next competitive window. Timeline-wise, Byram is a perfect fit at 24 years old, similar to Dylan Holloway (23) and Philip Broberg (24).
The Blues also lack true a true young, offensive, puck-moving defenseman. Cam Fowler and Colton Parayko can hold their own offensively, but both are older and not as dynamic as Byram. Younger players like Tyler Tucker, Theo Lindstein, and Colin Ralph are solid players, but not particularly capable offensively. Broberg is an excellent skater and puck-mover, but may not have the goal-scoring ability of Byram. Adam Jiricek and Logan Mailloux both profile as offensively gifted defensemen, but both still need to prove they're NHL capable.
Given his age and strengths, Byram could be a great fit for the Blues as a long-term option for offensive talent on the blue line. However, given his weaknesses, St. Louis should be cautious about what they're willing to give up in return, and how much they're willing to pay Byram.
What should the Blues be willing to give up? What should be off-limits?
By all indications, the Blues are serious about acquiring Byram. But what assets and players should they be willing to part with?
The Blues have been “trying hard” to get Bowen Byram from Buffalo, according to a league source. There’s still a possibility that Byram gets an offer sheet. #stlblues
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 3, 2025
Let's start with who should be off-limits. The Sabres are looking for young, needle-moving, NHL-ready players. Let's assume that players like Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Colton Parayko, Jordan Binnington, etc, are off the table entirely, and focus on younger, less established players.
The recently acquired Holloway and Broberg have quickly become core pieces for the future, and are both better than Byram. These two should never be on the table - in fact, they should be extended in St. Louis.
Top prospects Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky are also untouchable, as two key pieces of the future. The recently drafted Justin Carbonneau has an argument to be here as well. While forward depth, particularly on the wing, is a strength for the Blues, they should be careful not to deal their very best. If the Blues can avoid dealing a 1st round draft pick as well, that would be ideal.
As far as who should be on the table, Armstrong and Steen should entertain virtually everyone else. While parting with Jake Neighbours would be difficult, he's realistically a 3rd liner, and you can probably find a replacement for him (perhaps Carbonneau?) easier than you can find defensemen like Byram. Adam Jiricek has potential, but is unproven and has struggled to stay healthy. He might one day be untouchable, but for now, the Blues would have to consider it. Theo Lindstein and Otto Stenberg are promising, but not untouchable. However, they may not be what Buffalo is seeking - NHL-ready talent.
The Blues should also consider trading any other picks and prospects for Byram. A package for him might require a few pieces, but they should be careful not to put all their eggs in one basket. Packaging 2 or more of the names I mentioned in the previous paragraph would likely be a mistake. Realistically, trading one of those players, as well as a pick and/or a prospect, should be the return.
What about an extension for Byram?
Part of Byram's appeal is that, at 24, he's got room to sign a long-term extension. However, if he demands too much, the Blues shouldn't be afraid to walk away. Some reports indicate that Byram is seeking a $9+ million deal. That would be a big overpay for a 2nd-pair defenseman who plays more like a $5 million player. If they can convince him to sign for less than $6.5-7 million, that could be a great deal, but it may be a pretty big "if."