As the Pittsburgh Penguins chart their future, Bowen Byram rumors are heating up fast. Insiders now link the team to the talented 23-year-old defenseman as they look to retool rather than rebuild.
According to Penguins insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Pittsburgh is showing genuine interest in Bowen Byram, who is currently a restricted free agent with the Buffalo Sabres. Yohe stopped short of specifying whether the Penguins would pursue Byram through a traditional trade or a bold offer sheet maneuver.
Bowen Byram Rumors Heating Up Around Pittsburgh Penguins
Assuming the Penguins consider an offer sheet for Byram, the financial challenge would be steep. Buffalo boasts over $21 million in cap space, providing them ample flexibility to match any potential offer thrown Byram’s way.
That said, if Pittsburgh were to construct a trade package, it would have to be enticing enough to pry Byram away. The young blueliner is highly regarded across the league for his skating, offensive upside, and poised defensive game. With the Penguins still trying to maximize the remaining productive years of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Byram would represent the type of youthful, top-pairing talent that could extend their competitive window.
Interestingly, Yohe also addressed another swirling rumor about the Penguins’ interest in Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. Yohe poured cold water on the idea, stating, “It looks like a disaster of a contract, and he’s not very well respected around the league.” Pettersson’s massive $11.6 million annual cap hit, along with a full no-movement clause kicking in on July 1, makes a deal unlikely — even if the Canucks offered to retain salary.
The Penguins’ focus appears to be laser-sharp: inject youth and elite talent on the blue line without completely mortgaging the future. If GM Kyle Dubas can pull off a move for Byram, it would instantly reshape the Penguins’ defensive corps and signal to the rest of the NHL that Pittsburgh isn’t done yet.
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