Buffalo Sabres GM Actively Exploring Trades Ahead of Draft and Free Agency
Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams is reportedly highly active on the trade front as the NHL Draft approaches and free agency opens on July 1. According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Adams has been in discussions with multiple teams, with interest centered on restricted free agents Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka.
Byram, 23, has been a frequent subject of trade speculation following the conclusion of the season. He is seeking a larger contract and a more prominent role, ideally in a top-pairing defensive spot—something difficult for Buffalo to offer due to the high salaries already committed to defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power.
Peterka, who finished second in team scoring with 68 points, has also drawn significant attention. There’s growing concern he could be targeted with an offer sheet, similar to what happened to Edmonton last summer when young players Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg were taken by the St. Louis Blues.
Among the interested teams, the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly keen on acquiring both Byram and Peterka. Vancouver has shown long-standing interest in Byram, a British Columbia native, and were previously linked to the young defenseman during the height of trade rumors involving Sabres’ interest in Canucks star Elias Pettersson.
Pettersson is coming off a down season, tallying just 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) compared to 89 the year before. He’s entering the first year of an eight-year, $92.8 million deal, but does not have no-movement protection until July 1, leaving Vancouver with a narrow window to explore trade options. TSN’s Darren Dreger notes the Canucks were also previously interested in Sabres center Josh Norris before Buffalo acquired him from Ottawa for Dylan Cozens—potentially a piece that could influence a Pettersson trade discussion if Vancouver chooses to make him available in the coming days.
Multiple teams including the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Tampa Bay Lightning are also reportedly in the mix for Peterka.
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