The Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks complete a trade involving defenseman Bowen Byram on Tuesday night that changes Buffalo’s 2026 NHL draft position. Buffalo receives the No. 4 overall pick from Chicago. In addition to the top-four selection, the Sabres also acquire third-year defenseman Louis Crevier, who records a career-best 25 points in his first full NHL season, along with a second-round pick at No. 46 overall.
In return, Chicago receives Byram. Coverage of the deal emphasizes that it is structured as a swap of draft assets and players, with the Blackhawks using the acquired components to bring Byram into their organization. Another report characterizes the deal as Chicago “flipping” a mid-round selection for Byram, indicating that the draft capital and Crevier are used to secure the veteran defenseman.
All reports describe the trade as a blockbuster agreement that reshapes both teams’ draft and defensive depth ahead of the upcoming NHL draft.
