Jarmo Kekäläinen sold his star player in the NHL – the opposing fans furious about the outrageous return

The Buffalo Sabres have made a significant player trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Sabres are parting ways with star defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway, who are moving to Chicago.

In return, Buffalo receives the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft, a second-round pick from the Blackhawks, and defenseman Louis Crevier.

25-year-old Bowen Byram has been a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defense in recent seasons. The Canadian has one season left on his contract, worth $6.25 million.

The trade was driven by difficulties in contract extension negotiations. Sabres GM Jarmo Kekäläinen did not see a long-term deal as sensible for the team, which is why the trade was executed.

Byram has played 328 regular-season games in his NHL career, with stats of 44+108=152. His biggest achievement is winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in the spring of 2022. He joined Buffalo mid-season in 2023–24.

A fierce reception in Chicago

The trade has sparked strong reactions, especially among Blackhawks fans. Many consider the price paid by Chicago to be too high, and social media has been filled with criticism towards the team’s management.

Media representatives have also commented on the trade with exceptional criticism. The Athletic reporter Mark Lazerus, working in Chicago, wrote on X:

– The price paid for Byram is absolutely incomprehensible, Lazerus stated.