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Bowen Byram Trade Talks Far From Over Despite Signing Extension: Penguins Still Have a Shot
The Sabres may have just signed Bowen Byram to a contract extension, but that hasn't cut down on trade talks from still happening, with the Penguins still in it.
The Buffalo Sabres and Bowen Byram didn't solve much with the new contract the 24-year-old just signed on Monday. While the deal avoids a costly and painful stalemate during arbitration, the deal only kicks the can a little further down the road.
The hope was that the two sides would agree on a long-term deal. However, the two-year contract only shifts the inevitable outcome that is a trade, potentially to next year's deadline.
Bowen Byram will be a UFA at the end of the two-year deal
For Bowen Byram, signing a two-year contract makes a ton of sense. The deal will bring him to UFA status upon its completion, so he'll then be free to sign wherever he chooses.
The deal is also a big gamble for Byram as he's betting on his skill. The bet is that he'll continue to emerge as one of the league's best young defensemen, putting him in a position to cash in the big bucks when he's eligible for free agency.
The Sabres will still have to trade him, but there is a silver lining for Buffalo, as they could maximise their return on Byram by trading him this season.
The Sabres can fetch far more by moving him with one more year left on his contract, and this is where Kyle Dubas and the Penguins come in.
Pittsburgh has been linked to earlier trade rumors for Byram, and those won't go away, as Kyle Dubas would love to add a young player like Byram to his roster.
If the Penguins manage to acquire Byram, and he can surpass 50 points and play stellar defense, Pittsburgh may just be in a position to end their playoff drought.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 16 | 53 ANSWERS Bowen Byram Trade Talks Far From Over Despite Signing Extension: Penguins Still Have a Shot Will Bowen Byram still be traded despite this contract extension? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 58.5 % |
| No | 22 | 41.5 % |
| List of polls | ||