The Buffalo Sabres landed the No. 4 pick in the NHL draft after trading defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night. The deal reshapes both teams' blue lines ahead of a pivotal draft weekend.
Buffalo also acquired third-year defenseman Louis Crevier, who posted a career-best 25 points in his first full NHL season, and a second-round pick (46th overall). Byram, a former top-10 pick, brings youth and mobility to Chicago's defense corps.
The move gives the Sabres a top-four selection for the first time in years, offering a chance to add an elite prospect to their pipeline. It signals a clear push to accelerate the franchise's rebuild around young stars like Tage Thompson and Owen Power.
Chicago, meanwhile, adds a proven NHL defender in Byram while retaining a later first-round pick. The Blackhawks now hold multiple selections in the early rounds, giving them flexibility to address other roster needs.
"We believe this trade improves our team both now and in the future," said Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams. The deal underscores Buffalo's willingness to trade established talent for high draft capital.