Chicago Blackhawks Acquire Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway in Trade with Buffalo Sabres
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. In exchange, the Blackhawks sent defenseman Louis Crevier, a 2026 first-round draft pick (originally the fourth overall pick), and a 2026 second-round pick—the 45th overall selection, previously acquired from the New York Islanders—to Buffalo. The move signifies a significant roster adjustment for both franchises as they prepare for the upcoming NHL draft.
What Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway bring to Chicago
Byram, 25, joins the Blackhawks after a 2023-24 campaign where he established career highs in goals (11) and points (42). According to NHL official statistics, the defender has recorded 152 points in 328 career regular-season games. Byram, a former fourth-overall pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019, also brings championship experience to Chicago, having won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022. He remains under contract for one more season with an average annual value of $6.25 million and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2027.
Jordan Greenway, 29, adds veteran depth to the Blackhawks’ forward group. Despite being limited to 74 games over the last two seasons due to injuries, Greenway has accumulated 165 points in 475 career games. The former second-round pick by the Minnesota Wild in 2015 provides a physical presence, standing at 6-foot-6, and has contributed 10 points in 35 career postseason appearances.
Why the Buffalo Sabres prioritized draft capital
By securing the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Sabres have significantly bolstered their draft capital. Buffalo, which finished atop the Atlantic Division standings this past season, now holds two first-round selections—the fourth and the 20th overall—for the draft hosted at the KeyBank Center. This trade allows the Sabres to prioritize long-term asset accumulation over current roster depth, a common strategy for teams looking to sustain success through internal development.
What happens to Louis Crevier’s development
Louis Crevier, a 23-year-old defenseman, heads to Buffalo after completing his first full season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 6-foot-8, 228-pound blueliner played 78 games for Chicago last season, recording 25 points and 63 penalty minutes. Originally a seventh-round selection by the Blackhawks in 2020, Crevier has logged 134 games of NHL experience. The Sabres gain a young, large-frame defensive prospect as they look to round out their backend roster.
Transaction Summary
| Chicago Blackhawks Receive | Buffalo Sabres Receive |
|---|---|
| Bowen Byram (D) | Louis Crevier (D) |
| Jordan Greenway (F) | 2026 1st-Round Pick (4th overall) |
| – | 2026 2nd-Round Pick (45th overall) |
Looking ahead for the Blackhawks
This trade reflects the Blackhawks’ ongoing efforts to build a competitive core around their existing talent pool. By bringing in Byram, Chicago adds a puck-moving defenseman who has proven his capability at the NHL level. For the organization, the challenge remains integrating these new acquisitions into the lineup before the start of the 2025-26 season. With Byram’s contract expiring in 2027, the Blackhawks have a narrow window to evaluate his fit within their long-term defensive structure.