Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams delivered a clear message to fellow NHL executives on Wednesday regarding defenseman Bowen Byram.
Speaking with Buffalo reporters, Adams stated unequivocally that the team intends to match any potential offer sheet tendered for the restricted free agent.
Byram, 24, has been a frequent topic in trade discussions throughout the current off-season.
When directly asked about the team`s willingness to match an offer sheet, Adams responded, “Absolutely.”
He elaborated that the strategic moves and cap management undertaken by the team have been specifically designed for scenarios like this. Adams explained that failing to maintain sufficient cap space could put the organization in a difficult position if a compelling offer sheet is presented.
“So the moves we`ve made and decisions we`ve made for weeks now leading up to this point is with that in mind,” Adams said. “We`ll be matching and have the opportunity to have a player under contract we think helps us win.”
Despite this strong commitment to matching offer sheets, Adams did confirm that the team remains open to listening to trade offers for Byram.
“I`ve maintained the same position that if there`s a deal out there that makes sense for us that we think is going to improve our roster, we`re open to it,” he stated. “If there`s not, we`re not in a situation where we`re looking to move him out or looking to move him out for futures and stuff like that. For me, we want to help our team win hockey games and he does that.”
In related roster news, the Sabres recently completed a transaction involving another restricted free agent, trading forward JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth last month. Peterka subsequently signed a five-year contract with Utah.
The Sabres are currently looking to end the NHL`s longest active playoff drought, which has reached 14 consecutive seasons.
Last season, Byram recorded seven goals and 31 assists for a total of 38 points over 82 games.
Buffalo originally acquired Byram from the Colorado Avalanche in March 2024 in a trade that sent Casey Mittelstadt to Colorado.