Following a 14th consecutive season without a playoff appearance, the Buffalo Sabres are expected to pursue significant changes during the offseason. One potential adjustment may involve defenseman Bowen Byram, who is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. As the Sabres already have considerable investments in young defensemen such as Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, Byram might serve as a valuable trade asset as the team seeks to address various needs on its roster. While Byram has not yet reached the star level anticipated when he was selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Draft, he has demonstrated potential when healthy, showcasing his prowess as an offensive-minded defenseman. Last season, he participated in all 82 games, scoring seven goals and providing 31 assists for a total of 38 points. His name reemerged in trade discussions ahead of the 2024-25 deadline, indicating persistent interest as the offseason approaches.

The New York Rangers have been actively trying to reshape their defensive unit but still face challenges, particularly in offensive generation and puck movement from the back end. Byram could potentially elevate their defensive capabilities while possessing untapped potential due to his youth. However, the Rangers currently have five defensemen signed for the upcoming season and two restricted free agents, K'Andre Miller and Zac Jones, which limits available roster space. Nonetheless, the Rangers may continue to explore avenues for improvement, especially given their struggles in defensive zone play and transitioning the puck up ice. To contend for a place in the playoffs and pursue the Stanley Cup, they may need a substantial overhaul in their defensive group.

Although the Los Angeles Kings do not necessarily need defensemen after being recognized as one of the best defensive teams in the league, their recent first-round exits in the playoffs indicate an area for potential growth. After falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, it is evident that the Kings must continue to improve the roster. They are also approaching a transitional period with veteran Drew Doughty, who is under contract for only two more seasons. Byram, being young and capable of becoming a top-pairing defenseman in the long-term, could serve as a successor to Doughty and establish a new backbone for the Kings' defensive unit.

In Detroit, General Manager Steve Yzerman faces increasing pressure to address the Red Wings' defensive woes, particularly their inability to prevent goals and maintain control in 5-on-5 scenarios. While young talents Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson show promise, they cannot shoulder the defensive responsibilities alone. Byram would offer an immediate upgrade and complement the growth of Detroit's young core, addressing the critical need for both short-term and long-term assistance on the blue line. The Red Wings registered poor performance metrics, ranking 26th and 24th in 5-on-5 goals and expected goals percentage respectively, underscoring their need for improvement. Byram's addition could enhance both metrics significantly. With Seider as the only defender signed beyond the 2025-26 season and Edvinsson approaching restricted free agency, the Red Wings find themselves in urgent need of depth and talent on their defense.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, the rebuilding process has not yet yielded tangible success. The 2024-25 season was dismal, with the team winning fewer games in Connor Bedard's second year than in the tanking season prior. A promising group of young prospects, including defensemen Kevin Korchinski and Artyom Levshunov, is emerging but integrating them effectively into a competitive roster requires a blend of established talent. Byram, despite not fully meeting pre-draft expectations, remains a valuable NHL defenseman and could provide significant assistance to a youthful Blackhawks team seeking direction.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are positioned to be proactive this offseason, and targeting Byram could be a key strategy. They require defensive improvements and may lose veteran Ivan Provorov to free agency this summer. Boasting ample salary cap space and a deep pool of trade assets, which includes two first-round picks publicly available, the Blue Jackets are in a position to make aggressive moves. After nearly securing a playoff berth this past season, the team appears ready to contend seriously and is actively seeking enhancements to its defensive lineup.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are amidst a rebuilding phase, yet the depth and duration of this process remain uncertain. General Manager Kyle Dubas emphasizes a desire for speedy competitiveness while star player Sidney Crosby remains under contract for two additional seasons. The franchise seems poised for a turnaround similar to that of the Washington Capitals, but the timeline remains ambiguous. If the Penguins lean toward a quicker rebuild, acquiring a player like Byram could help revitalize their defensive options. With Kris Letang showing signs of decline and Erik Karlsson likely facing trade discussions, the Penguins may need a dynamic, puck-moving defenseman who can enhance offensive contributions. The organization holds salary cap flexibility, alongside a substantial collection of draft picks — currently projected at 30 over the next three years — which could entice the Sabres should they opt to trade Byram.