Colorado Avalanche
· 2026-06-24
Colorado Avalanche alum Bowen Byram has been traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, marking a significant opportunity for the 24-year-old defenseman to become the No. 1 player many projected him to be.
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the fourth overall pick and other selections.
Byram was drafted fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019 and helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Byram's departure from the Avalanche was due to limited opportunities behind a loaded defensive corps featuring Cale Makar and Devon Toews.
He played a key role in Buffalo's playoff run last season, setting career highs with 11 goals and 42 points in 82 games.
The Blackhawks are betting on Byram to become a top-pairing force, and his durability will be crucial after being sidelined by injuries in his early years with the Avalanche.
Byram's move to Chicago gives the Sabres financial flexibility, with his $6.25 million cap hit and Greenway's $4 million salary entering their final years.
The trade also signals a shift in strategy for the Blackhawks, who have been stockpiling draft picks as part of their rebuild.
Byram's experience and pedigree make him an exciting addition to the Blackhawks' blue line.
He will join a young defensive group and look to establish himself as a reliable top-four option.
The Avalanche, meanwhile, will look to replace Byram's production and continue their push for another Stanley Cup championship.
Byram's trade is a significant move for both teams, with implications for their respective rebuilds and playoff hopes.
The Blackhawks' decision to part with the fourth overall pick shows their commitment to winning now, rather than waiting for another prospect to develop.
Byram's arrival in Chicago marks a new chapter in his career, and he will look to prove himself as a top-pairing defenseman.