December 17, 2024 | 2:56pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
CANUCKS EYEING BYRAM IN TRADE TALKS?
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Bowen Byram, defenceman
The hockey world was abuzz on Monday after a hypothetical trade proposal sparked speculation that a major blockbuster could go down between the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks.
Elliotte Friedman tried to calm everyone’s reaction to the proposal he made in his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast, but also acknowledged what TFP previously reported, that the Sabres and Canucks have indeed had trade discussions.
With speculation continuing to swirl, TFP’s David Pagnotta reported the Canucks appear to have expressed interest in Sabres defenceman Bowen Byram, who is in the final year of his current contract.
In Tuesday’s edition of “The Latest” on TFP, Pagnotta indicated the discussions between the two clubs may be centered around Vancouver’s desire to add a top-four defenceman to their lineup this season, even when blueliner Filip Hronek returns from injury.
“(Friedman) acknowledged something we reported yesterday as well that Vancouver and Buffalo have had trade talks and that they seem to be centered around Vancouver’s interest in Bowen Byron. That seems to be genuine,” Pagnotta said. “Now, whether this evolves into this big blockbuster type deal, obviously we will have to wait and see and maybe (Friedman) is onto something because Buffalo had expressed interest in Petey last season before he signed his extension. But we do know that Vancouver is active right now trying to get a top-four defenseman. Byram is a guy that would certainly fit that role.”
Pagnotta added a note of caution, though, as several teams are circling around the Sabres and inquiring about a number of their players, beyond Byram, including the likes of forwards Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka.
“For a team like Buffalo, the vultures are going to come flying in and try to pluck away some pieces here in hopes that you’re desperate to do something,” Pagnotta stated. “We’ll see how that conversation continues, but we do know Vancouver, without question, wants to bolster their top-four. Even with Hronek back in the lineup, they still want to stabilize that back end at some point this season.”
The Canucks currently sit in the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference, one point behind the Edmonton Oilers for third in the Pacific Division.