After experiencing a 14th consecutive non-playoff season, the Buffalo Sabres face the necessity of making substantial changes during the offseason. A potential shift could involve defenseman Bowen Byram, who is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. Byram plays a position where the Sabres already have several high-value young players, including Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, making him a plausible trade asset as the team seeks to address other areas within the roster.

Byram was selected by the Colorado Avalanche with the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, yet he has not fully realized the star potential that many anticipated. Nonetheless, he has displayed flashes of brilliance when healthy, establishing himself as a formidable offensive-minded defenseman in the league, with his prime years likely still ahead. During the recent season, he participated in all 82 games, contributing seven goals and 31 assists for a total of 38 points. His name has already emerged in trade discussions prior to the 2024-25 season and continues to be a point of interest as the offseason approaches. This raises the question: which teams might pursue Byram as a potential acquisition?

The New York Rangers have been actively attempting to reshape their defense throughout the 2024-25 season, yet challenges remain in generating offense, puck movement, and overall mobility among defensemen. Byram could be an ideal player to enhance their defensive lineup while still possessing untapped potential. However, the Rangers' roster has five defensemen already under contract, along with two restricted free agents, K'Andre Miller and Zac Jones, leaving limited space for additional players. Despite these constraints, the Rangers should consider pursuing a difference-maker like Byram, particularly given their ongoing struggles with defensive zone play and puck movement that have hindered their playoff aspirations in recent years.

Unlike the Rangers, the Los Angeles Kings do not currently face a significant immediate need for defensive reinforcements, boasting one of the league's top defensive units. However, following a fourth consecutive first-round exit in the playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers, it is evident that the Kings still have work to do in their pursuit of a championship. Considering the likelihood of veteran defenseman Drew Doughty retiring or being less influential in the near future, adding a young talent like Byram could serve as a long-term solution. Byram's potential as a top-pairing defenseman aligns with the Kings' requirements for sustained success on the blue line.

In Detroit, general manager Steve Yzerman is under increasing pressure to address the team's defensive inadequacies. Despite having talented young defensemen such as Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, the Red Wings require further assistance to bolster their defensive corps and improve their ability to control play during 5-on-5 situations. Byram presents a fitting opportunity to both upgrade their current defensive lineup and grow alongside an emerging young core. With the Red Wings ranking 26th and 24th in 5-on-5 goals scored percentage and expected goals share during the season, acquiring Byram could contribute meaningfully to addressing these shortcomings.

The Chicago Blackhawks are currently in the midst of a rebuild that has seen limited progress. Their performance during the 2024-25 season was markedly disappointing, raising concerns about the ongoing development of their young roster. Although they have promising prospects like Kevin Korchinski and Artyom Levshunov on defense, the team must blend in established players to support the growth of their younger players. Although Byram has not yet lived up to pre-draft expectations, he remains a highly capable NHL defenseman who could provide the Blackhawks with necessary stability as they work toward reestablishing their competitive edge.

Furthermore, the Columbus Blue Jackets appear poised to make aggressive moves this offseason, making Byram an attractive trade target. The team is in need of defensive upgrades and faces the potential loss of veteran Ivan Provorov to free agency. With ample salary cap space and a deep trade chip pool, including two available first-round picks, Byram could help the Blue Jackets take a significant step forward in their playoff contention hopes after a positive resurgence this past season.

As for the Pittsburgh Penguins, they are only beginning to formulate their rebuilding strategy. General manager Kyle Dubas has indicated a desire to return to the playoffs sooner rather than later while keeping star player Sidney Crosby in mind. Crosby remains under contract for two more seasons, which implies a combination of competitive aspirations and future planning for the Penguins. Should they choose to prioritize a quick return to contention, Byram could fulfill the role of a mid-20s puck-moving defenseman and help elevate the team's defensive lineup as they transition into a new era.