The New York Rangers have had an up-and-down start to the 2025-26 season. At the time of this writing, they have a 15-12-4 record and are fifth in the Metropolitan Division standings. Yet, with how tight the Metropolitan Division is right now, the Rangers need to be picking up as many wins as possible to help their playoff odds.
The Rangers have also had trouble remaining consistent. The Blueshirts have won only five out of their last 10 games, which is not ideal when noting how close the Eastern Conference is right now. The Rangers have also notably struggled at home, as they have a 3-8-3 record at Madison Square Garden this season.
With the Rangers looking to get back in the playoffs, it would not be surprising if they look to add to their roster. This is especially so if a potential trade target can benefit them beyond this season.
One specific area the Rangers should be aiming to improve is the left side of their defense. Because of this, one trade candidate who could make a lot of sense for the Rangers to pursue is Buffalo Sabres blueliner Bowen Byram.
Due to this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade pitch that has the Rangers acquiring Byram from the Sabres in a big move.
Rangers Get:
- Bowen Byram
Sabres Get:
- Brennan Othmann
- Braden Schneider
Bowen Byram Is Trade Candidate to Watch
During this past off-season, Byram was discussed often in the rumor mill as a trade candidate. While the Sabres kept him around by signing him to a two-year, $12.5 million contract, he is still a player to keep an eye on as a trade candidate.
The Sabres are in the middle of another disappointing season and could make changes to their roster because of it. At the time of this writing, the Sabres sport an 11-13-4 record and are at the very bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. They have also lost each of their last two games, so things have not been getting much better for them.
With this and the Sabres having a surplus of left-shot defenseman, Byram could be a player they end up moving for the right price. This is especially so when noting that he can become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) during the 2027 NHL off-season.
Byram Would Give Rangers Big Upgrade In Top Four
While the Rangers signed defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov this summer, they still could use another left-shot top-four blueliner. This is because they have yet to find a replacement for defender K’Andre Miller, who they traded to the Carolina Hurricanes this summer. Byram would give them just that if acquired.
When playing at his best, Byram is capable of providing solid offense from the point. He demonstrated this during this past season, as he scored seven goals and set new career highs with 31 assists and 38 points in 82 games. So far this season, he has recorded six goals and 13 points in 28 games.
Overall, with the Rangers needing help on defense, the 24-year-old Byram would be a nice addition to their group.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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