The Buffalo Sabres made one of the biggest moves ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft on Tuesday, trading defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal centered around the No. 4 overall pick.
Buffalo also acquired defenseman Louis Crevier and the 45th overall selection in this year’s draft, while veteran forward Jordan Greenway headed to Chicago as part of the package.
The trade gives the Sabres a second first-round selection in a draft they will host at KeyBank Center this weekend. Buffalo now owns both the No. 4 and No. 20 picks after finishing atop the Atlantic Division and ending a lengthy playoff drought with a postseason appearance this spring.
Byram, 25, leaves Buffalo after producing the best offensive season of his NHL career. The former fourth overall pick recorded 11 goals and 31 assists for 42 points while appearing in all 82 regular-season games. He added seven points in 13 playoff contests and remained a key contributor on both sides of the puck throughout the season.
A Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, Byram has totaled 152 points in 328 career regular-season games between Colorado and Buffalo. He has also contributed 19 points in 40 playoff appearances.
The Blackhawks acquire a young, established top-four defenseman entering the final season of his current contract, while Buffalo gains significant draft capital and a promising defenseman in Crevier. The 25-year-old Crevier is coming off a season in which he recorded seven goals and 18 assists in 78 games.
Greenway, meanwhile, departs Buffalo after posting six points in 40 regular-season games and three points during the Sabres’ playoff run.
With two first-round picks and additional assets now in hand, Buffalo has positioned itself to be one of the most active teams at this weekend’s draft.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.