Overview
- The trade was announced June 24 and sends defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to Chicago in exchange for the No. 4 overall pick in 2026, the No. 45 pick and defenseman Louis Crevier.
- Byram is entering the final year of a two-year, $12.5 million deal and becomes extension-eligible July 1, with both he and GM Kyle Davidson saying they intend to negotiate a long-term contract.
- Chicago’s front office views the move as a push to speed the rebuild around Connor Bedard by adding an NHL-ready top-pairing right-shot defenseman rather than using the No. 4 pick on another prospect.
- Buffalo converted a player likely to reach free agency into premium assets as it gained extra draft capital, added Crevier for roster depth and freed short-term salary cap space while hosting the 2026 draft.
- The gamble carries clear upside and risk: Byram posted a career-high 42 points and has Stanley Cup experience, but his defensive metrics and the prospect cost make the deal a high-reward, high-risk bet for Chicago.