Maple Leafs Watching Closely as $12.5M Defenseman's Trade Status Becomes Clear
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could end up finding themselves in the mix for Bowen Byram after a report from The Fourth Period shows he may end up being traded still.
There's a lot of talk about whether or not the Maple Leafs are going to add someone on the back end, not only to give them more offense but potentially give them someone to replace Morgan Rielly if they decide his time is up.
Though that's not likely, they have been linked to several prominent names such as Rasmus Andersson and Erik Karlsson. These two would definitely improve Toronto however are going to come at a substantial cost overall.
Bowen Byram still trade candidate despite contract extension
Well, things are not going to get any cheaper, however the team might be able to secure themselves their future number one defenseman, they just need to get a bit lucky; and deal with a heated rival.
According to The Fourth Period, Buffalo still remains interested in moving Bowen Byram, as they essentially locked him up in order to have a bit of an insurance policy if they can't move him, but obviously still want to:
Even with a new 2-year contract under his belt, Bowen Byram remains a prime candidate for the Sabres to move at some point this offseason.
Byram has the potential to be an absolute stud in the NHL but being stuck on the Sabres isn't doing him any favors.
Byram on the block
Traded to the Sabres as part of a blockbuster 1 for 1 deal involving Casey Mittelstadt, Byram has shown why he was a Top-5 pick and why the hype around him is real.
Byram, 24, had 38 points in 82 games for the Sabres last season (7 goals, 31 assists) crushing his previous career high and really came into his own and has the chance to break out even harder this year.
He signed a two-year, $12.5-million extension this summer as Buffalo was seemingly ready to give him a bit of a longer audition before committing long term, however the fact they didn't hold onto him for longer might see his time with the Sabres over quicker than anticipated.
The Maple Leafs could certainly use him, however the cost to bring him in might be way too much for GM Brad Treliving, and considering the Sabres aren't going to just let a rival waltz in and take their young star; that offer better be good.
All eyes are going to be on Buffalo and Byram in the coming weeks, with Toronto keeping one eye on the situation at all times.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 25 | 1780 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Watching Closely as $12.5M Defenseman's Trade Status Becomes Clear Should Toronto trade for Bowen Byram? | ||
| Yes | 895 | 50.3 % |
| No | 885 | 49.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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