Insider Predicts A Massive Number For Bowen Byram's Next NHL Contract

This season has been an immensely underwhelming one for the Buffalo Sabres, with the team once again expected to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs, extending their NHL longest drought to 15 years.

In the summer, they'll have some big time decisions to make too, especially on defenseman Bowen Byram, who will be an RFA, with the team needing to decide whether to trade him, give him a qualifying offer or look to lock him down for the long-term.

The 23-year old was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche at the trade deadline a season ago, and in 54 games this season, he's already put up a career high in points at 29, showing that after years of potential, he's finally putting the production behind it too.

Now, numbers are being thrown around for his next contract, with Sabres Insider Mike Harrington predicting that it could be one of the biggest contracts in the NHL for a blue liner.

While he doesn't give an exact number, Harrington predicts that it could 'run past $9 million AAV', with that number potentially making him just one of 12 defenseman to earn over the $9 million mark per season, including star teammate Rasmus Dahlin.

Byram's current contract pays him $3.85 million per season, but with the production finally improving and the 23-year old looking like a genuine top-four pairing defenseman in the NHL, he's likely looking to get paid in a big way.

Whether or not he stays in Buffalo on his next deal is yet to be seen, but after being drafted No. 4 overall back in 2019, his potential is finally showing through, and it's likely to make him one of the highest paid blue liners in the league.