We have yet another trade on this crazy Tuesday. The Chicago Blackhawks are acquiring Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres are reportedly acquiring the fourth overall draft pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in return, as well as Louis Crevier and the 45th overall draft pick in 2026.
Full trade, per sources:
To #Blackhawks:
LD Bowen Byram
LW Jordan GreenwayTo #Sabres:
2026 CHI 1st Round Pick (No. 4 overall)
2026 NYI 2nd Round Pick (No. 45 overall)
LD Louis Crevier— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 24, 2026
Bowen Byram Trade Strengthens Blackhawks Blue Line
Byram had been in trade rumours for quite some time, but finally, a trade has happened. The 25-year-old defenceman had 11 goals and 31 assists in 82 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season, which was a career high. Byram is a very versatile offensive-minded defenceman who is effective in rush and transition plays, and can be a power play quarterback. Byram has one more year left on his contract worth $6.25 million per season before he will become an unrestricted free agent.
For the Blackhawks, Byram can be a top-line left-handed defender for them, a slot they had desperately needed to improve upon. Their D-core continues to be very youthful and has good upside, and Byram will drastically improve Chicago’s team as they continue through their rebuilding process.
Chicago will also acquire Jordan Greenway from the Sabres. He recorded six points in 40 games last season. Using his heavy 6-foot-6 frame, he can be a strong physical presence for the Blackhawks. His contract, for what he brings, is quite steep at $4 million for one more year. However, Greenway could be a much sought-after player at next year’s trade deadline.
What This Means for the Sabres
With their top-four defender out the door, this may open an opportunity for prospect Radim Mrtka to make his transition into the NHL. It may be a bit of a loss for the Sabres in the short term on their blue line, but with Mrtka on the ascent, things still are looking up in the city of Buffalo. Furthermore, with the likes of Zach Benson and Alex Tuch in need of contract extensions, this Bowen Byram trade could open up some more salary cap room for the team.
The Sabres are also acquiring Louis Crevier, a 25-year-old right defender, who scored 25 points in 78 games last season. He will be able to fill the hole that Byram has left behind, to some extent. They will also acquire the fourth overall pick, which could mean one of two things: a flip of the draft pick or that the Sabres could draft the likes of one of the few elite defensive prospects in this draft. In addition, they also received the 45th overall pick this year.
The lead-up to the 2026 NHL Entry Draft has been wild so far, and with still around three days left until then, who knows what we still have in store for us?
Main Photo: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
