Bowen Byram Turned Down $14 Million Offer Before Chicago Move

Darren Ferris revealed that one NHL team offered Bowen Byram as much as $14 million per year before his trade to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Bridge Deal Set the Stage

Bowen Byram signed a two-year bridge extension with the Buffalo Sabres before the 2025-26 season. The deal followed an arbitration projection that capped his salary at 5.5 million dollars annually at most. General manager Kevin Adams finalized the agreement while Buffalo still controlled his rights.

Jarmo Kekalainen replaced Adams midseason and immediately recognized Byram’s desire for a larger role. Kekalainen understood the cap constraints limited Buffalo’s ability to retain the defenseman long term. The new GM granted other teams permission to speak directly with agent Darren Ferris once a trade framework existed.

Ferris noted that the bridge contract originated from Byram’s explicit request for more ice time. Buffalo could not guarantee top-pair minutes, creating the conditions for an exit. The two-year length gave the Sabres flexibility while allowing Byram to test free agency sooner.

Trade Window Produced Record Offers

Multiple clubs expressed interest in acquiring Byram once Kekalainen made him available. Trade packages factored in the likelihood of an immediate extension rather than paying a premium for one remaining season. Ferris fielded extension inquiries that reached 14 million dollars from at least one suitor.

Chicago ultimately completed the trade and secured Byram on a new contract worth 12.5 million dollars per year. The deal included a full no-move clause, protecting the player from relocation despite Chicago’s favorable tax environment. Ferris confirmed the higher 14 million dollar figure was discussed but did not lead to a signing.

The timing of the conversations aligned with the July 2026 offseason window. Teams understood any extension would begin after Byram’s remaining year on the Buffalo contract expired. This structure encouraged aggressive bidding during the trade process.

Chicago Contract Finalized

Byram’s move to Chicago gave him the opportunity to compete for number-one defenseman status on a rebuilding roster. The 12.5 million dollar annual value represented a compromise between the 14 million dollar ceiling discussed elsewhere and Buffalo’s earlier arbitration range. The full no-move clause addressed Byram’s preference for stability.

Ferris emphasized that Chicago’s tax advantage played a supporting role in the final numbers. The combination of ice time, roster fit, and contractual security outweighed the raw dollar difference. The agreement closed shortly after the trade was executed on July 22 2026.

Byram’s path from the two-year bridge deal through trade talks to the Chicago contract illustrates how extension leverage influences player movement. One team’s willingness to reach 14 million dollars set the market benchmark even though the actual signing landed at 12.5 million dollars annually.