If given the chance, the Blackhawks can't say no to Bowen Byram again

We’ve been talking about what an ideal offseason for the Chicago Blackhawks would look like for the past few weeks. Most agree that bringing in a top-six forward, a veteran defenseman, and a bottom-six forward who plays with an edge would get the team on the right track next season. Of course, that’s easier said than done, as most teams across the NHL are looking for the same things.

When you look at the blue line options, you could find a short-term solution in free agency. John Carlson or Jacob Trouba each brings something different to the table and could be productive players for the next couple of seasons. However, if you want to add someone who could be an anchor for the defensive corps for years to come, then you need to make a phone call to upstate New York.

Blackhawks Get Another Shot

Flashback to the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and the Blackhawks are on the clock for the third overall pick. The New Jersey Devils have already selected Jack Hughes, and Kaapo Kakko has gone second to the New York Rangers. The Blackhawks have an aging defensive corps, with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook getting long in the tooth. Instead of selecting smooth-skating defenseman Bowen Byram, Stan Bowman announces that he’s selecting forward Kirby Dach. We all know how that ended up.

Byram could be available again this summer, as various reports say that the Buffalo Sabres are taking calls on the 25-year-old blueliner. The Athletic’s Scott Powers feels that Byram is a great fit with the Blackhawks, but might have a problem supplying an established player to include in any trade package.

The 25-year-old defenseman is entering the final year of his contract and will be due a significant raise, somewhere in the $9-10 million range. With Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power already locked up, they may not be able to afford Byram beyond this year. But losing him and possibly forward Alex Tuch after finally returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs would be a significant buzzkill for the fanbase.

Blackhawks Can Give Byram His Bigger Role

According to Sabres beat writer Matthew Fairburn, Byram wants to win, while having a bigger role. If he were to come to Chicago, he’d definitely get the bigger role as he’d become the team’s top left-handed defenseman and get plenty of time on the power play. The winning will come, eventually, and he’d be a big part of that. He’s not going to be the No. 1 defenseman or top power-play quarterback in Buffalo with Dahlin having a firm grasp on both roles.

The Sabres could be inclined to move Byram so they don’t lose him for nothing next summer, like they might be doing with Tuch. They could then take the $6.25 million they were paying him to go out and pay a top-line forward to replace Tuch.

Adding Byram to the mix makes a ton of sense for the Blackhawks. At 25, he fits the timeline and would be a core member of this team for years to come. His style of play is exactly what Kyle Davidson looks for. He’s a great skater with tremendous offensive upside, who shines in the big moments. His personality fits right into the Blackhawks locker room, too.

With Byram on the roster, the left side of the defense is set with him, Alex Vlasic, and Wyatt Kaiser. That is a formidable trio, all still very young. Having the left side solidified gives the Blackhawks some time to figure out how the right side will line up with Artyom Levshumov, Sam Rinzel, and Louis Crevier.

However, as Powers pointed out, it will be hard for the Davidson to offer up an established player in return. But if the Sabres want to use the cap relief to go out and pursue another player, that could open the door. A trade might cost you a young player you really like, such as Nick Lardis or Oliver Moore, but it would be worth it to have the left side of the defense shored up for the foreseeable future.

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