The Buffalo Sabres have quietly built something worth watching this season - and for the first time in a long time, it’s not just about potential. As of now, they’re sitting in a Wild Card spot and knocking on the door of second place in the Atlantic Division.
That’s not a fluke. It’s the result of a young core coming into its own, a goaltending situation that’s stabilized, and a blue line that’s become one of the most productive in the NHL.
Right in the middle of that defensive resurgence? Bowen Byram.
Byram’s Breakout Role in Buffalo
When Byram signed a two-year bridge deal this past summer, there were still questions about his long-term future in Buffalo. But since then, he’s done more than just settle in - he’s become a key cog in a Sabres defense that’s driving offense and controlling play at a high level.
Byram currently ranks second among Sabres defensemen with 10 goals, just one shy of the career-high he set last season - the same year he was traded to Buffalo. He’s also on a 0.50 points-per-game pace, the best of his career over a full season.
That kind of production is impressive on its own, but it’s even more notable considering he’s not getting much power play time. He’s doing most of his damage at even strength, jumping into the rush and pushing the pace with his elite skating.
You don’t always see his name on the scoresheet, but if you’re watching the games, you see the impact. Byram’s ability to activate from the back end and make plays in transition has added a dynamic element to Buffalo’s attack.
More Than Just Offense
What’s maybe even more encouraging for the Sabres is how Byram has rounded out his defensive game. He’s never going to be the kind of guy who punishes opponents physically, but he’s become a much more reliable presence in his own zone compared to his time in Colorado.
When he’s paired with Rasmus Dahlin - who continues to play at an elite level - the Sabres control over 57% of the shot attempts. That pairing also ranks second among all Sabres defensive duos in Corsi For, which is a strong indicator of how much time they’re spending on the attack versus defending. That’s not just Dahlin doing the heavy lifting - Byram’s puck-moving and positional play have been a big part of that success.
And in terms of individual impact, Byram is holding his own with some of the league’s top defensemen. His individual point percentage is higher than names like Roman Josi, Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Gustav Forsling. That’s elite company, and it speaks to how involved he is in the team’s offense when he’s on the ice.
Depth and Flexibility on the Blue Line
One of the biggest advantages for Buffalo this season has been the versatility of their top four defensemen. That group - which includes Dahlin, Byram, Mattias Samuelsson, and a rotating cast depending on health - has given the Sabres a reliable foundation on the back end.
Samuelsson’s resurgence has been one of the surprises of the year, and while Michael Kesselring has missed significant time with injuries, the Sabres haven’t missed a beat. That’s in large part because the top four have been able to mix and match with each other effectively. Whether it’s Byram sliding in alongside Dahlin or taking shifts with someone else depending on the matchup, the Sabres have options - and that kind of flexibility is a luxury in today’s NHL.
As Kesselring works his way back into the lineup, Buffalo’s depth on defense only gets stronger. And that could be a major factor down the stretch as the playoff race tightens.
A Core Piece for the Present - and Future
The Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since the 2010-11 season, but this team is starting to look like the one that could finally break the drought. The goaltending has held up, the offense is clicking, and the defense - led by Dahlin and bolstered by Byram - is playing fast, smart hockey.
Byram’s bridge deal might end up being a bargain in the short term and a challenge to re-sign down the road, but that’s a problem for another day. Right now, the Sabres are reaping the rewards of a trade that’s paid off in a big way. Byram is no longer just a promising young defenseman - he’s a core piece of a team that’s starting to believe it belongs in the postseason conversation.
And if he keeps playing like this, he won’t just help the Sabres get there - he might be one of the reasons they stick around once they do.