Vancouver Canucks Trade Talks with Buffalo Sabres Confirmed as 'Absurd Chatter'

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Owen Fullerton
November 18, 2024 (7:05 PM)

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The Buffalo Sabres are currently on the outside looking into the NHL playoff picture, a familiar, disappointing place for the team and their fans after 13 seasons of missing the playoffs altogether.

While insiders say the Sabres are interested in making a significant trade to try to improve their roster and end the league's longest drought, Sabres beat writer Mike Harrington says rumours including Bowen Byram - a name who has been linked to the Vancouver Canucks - are nothing but "absurd chatter".

The Buffalo columnist discussed the fact that Byram has been rumoured to be a player of interest to teams like the Canucks, and while that may be true, that's exactly why the Sabres want to keep him.

Harrington pointed to the fact that Byram is playing on the first pair with Rasmus Dahlin, and that he's been a solid contributor offensively out of the gates this season with 11 points in 18 games.

While the Canucks may like Byram due to his skill set and British Columbia roots, the writer says they wouldn't be willing to part with what it would take to acquire the young blueliner.

Byram is a critical piece of the Sabres' blue line... Any deal involving Byram would demand a significant return, likely established NHL players, which Vancouver is ill-positioned to offer.

It's hard to see the Canucks giving up the high end forwards it may require to bring back a young top 4 defenceman like Byram, and while their prospect pool is relatively strong the Sabres are seeking players who can contribute now, and the Canucks may need those youngsters on ELCs to contribute sooner than later.

Byram has only played in a Sabres jersey for 36 games after a massive trade last season saw him swapped for Casey Mittelstadt, and the Sabres don't seem eager to move him despite being motivated to make changes.

Byram trade looking lopsided already?

When the Sabres flipped Casey Mittelstadt for Bowen Byram last year, it seemed both teams were getting what they needed and early returns pointed towards that with each player seemingly fitting in well.

While Byram has been no slouch, the Sabres may have some buyer's regret seeing Casey Mittelstadt fill the Avalanche's 2C role with 16 points in 18 games this year.

The Sabres have been actively looking for top six help after making the swap last season.

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Did the Sabres make a mistake trading Mittelstadt for Byram?
Yes, Mittelstadt was a perfect 2C for them	53	29 %
No, Byram will be a cornerstone D for the team	33	18 %
Both teams should be happy	57	31.1 %
Too early to tell	40	21.9 %
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