Tuesday was a chaotic day for NHL trades. Jordan Kyrou went from St. Louis to Washington. William Eklund got shipped from San Jose to Ottawa. Then Bowen Byram ended up in Chicago, sent there by Buffalo alongside Jordan Greenway.
But here’s what almost happened: The Sharks were seriously in on Byram too.
Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reported that San Jose had “lots of interest” in the defenseman. The snag? The Sabres wanted a top-four draft pick in return. And the Sharks weren’t willing to give up their No. 2 overall selection.
“Hearing #SJSharks had ‘lots of interest’ in Byram. But unless you’re giving up the No. 2 pick, which I personally think is too rich, tough to beat the No. 4,” Peng wrote on X.
Chicago didn’t blink. They sent Louis Crevier, the 45th overall pick, and their 2026 fourth-rounder to Buffalo. That got them Byram and Greenway, a solid haul for a team still rebuilding.
San Jose had the draft capital to match. They hold the second pick, plus the ninth and 27th selections in this week’s draft. But the front office decided that trading the No. 2 slot for a player with only one year left on his contract was too steep a price. And honestly, that makes sense. Byram is talented, sure, but he’s not a franchise cornerstone — not yet, anyway.
What San Jose Might Do Now
The Sharks haven’t ruled out more moves before the draft starts Friday. They’re currently projected to take Ivar Stenberg, a forward from Frolunda HC in the SHL, with that second pick. But the front office could still swing something if the right offer comes along.
This feels like a patient play from a team that’s learned not to rush. San Jose has been stockpiling picks and young talent for a reason. They want a sustained contender, not a quick fix that leaves them back in the same spot two years from now. Passing on Byram might sting a little, especially if he pops in Chicago. But it’s hard to argue with the logic.
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