The Buffalo Sabres entered this season with high hopes of finally breaking their playoff drought. However, a disastrous 13-game losing streak has derailed their season and ignited the NHL trade rumor mill. One name that has surfaced is defenseman Bowen Byram, with the Detroit Red Wings reportedly showing significant interest.
Byram, still just 23 years old, possesses a cap-friendly $3.85 million AAV and is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. He’s a dynamic blueliner who has tallied 21 points in 38 games while logging over 23 minutes of ice time per night. Despite his individual success, the Sabres’ struggles have opened the door for potential trades, and the Red Wings appear to be a prime suitor.
Bowen Byram to Detroit: Analyzing the Potential Trade
The rumored trade package gaining traction involves the Red Wings sending a compelling offer to Buffalo:
Detroit Red Wings receive: Bowen Byram
Buffalo Sabres receive: Michael Rasmussen, William Wallinder, 2026 first-round pick
This deal would be a significant win for both teams. Detroit would acquire a top-pairing defenseman to play alongside Moritz Seider, solidifying their blue line for years to come. Byram’s offensive upside and puck-moving abilities would perfectly complement Seider’s shutdown style. This move would also allow Simon Edvinsson to slide into a more suitable second-pairing role, providing the Red Wings with a formidable defensive core.
From Buffalo’s perspective, this trade offers an opportunity to retool. Michael Rasmussen provides size and scoring potential upfront, while William Wallinder is a promising defensive prospect with a high ceiling. The addition of a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft adds further value and allows the Sabres to continue building for the future.
While it remains to be seen if this trade will materialize, it’s clear that the Red Wings are serious about adding a top-tier defenseman. Byram fits the bill perfectly and could be the missing piece that pushes Detroit back into playoff contention this season.
Stay Updated on the Latest Detroit Red Wings News and Rumors
Want to stay informed on the latest Detroit Red Wings rumors, NHL news, and find out what channel the Red Wings game is on TV today? Be sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below!
The only condition I would make on the 2026 1st is if it’s top 5 protected. If this came to fruition Detroit’s future D pairings could look like this:
Byram Seider
Edvidsson ASP
Buium Tuomisto
Johansson
No way Detroit does this … Byran being a free agent….. Also the first round pick is just too much to give up…hell wallinder could be the answer himself….no deal
Sabres aren’t doing that. BUF is even more determined/desperate to win now than DET, so they aren’t giving up the more “now” piece for futures… they’re looking to get older, not younger.
LOL , Raz a 1st and Wallinder. Is it April 1st.
As a neutral fan, I like the trade for both teams.
No way sy gives up this much , if Buffalo were to add Tage ok but way to unbalanced of a trade in Buffalos favor .
I would welcome Byram. Anyone else know much about him? The Wings need help on the D side of things. Petry, Eric G, etc are not going to cut it.