Reports show from TSN’s Darren Dreger that former Colorado Avalanche Bowen Byram could be on the move. The defenseman is currently a restricted free agent (RFA) after signing a two-year contract with the Avalanche. The Buffalo Sabres acquired him from the Avalanche in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt. Dreger mentioned on Ray & Dregs that Byram has the interest of several teams, including the Avalanche. He then said it again later on Thursday during TSN’s Insider Trading segment.

“The Sabres are looking to turn the potential of a contract problem into a playing asset, very similar to JJ Peterka,” Dreger said on Insider Trading.” There is a ton of interest in Bowen Byram, as you would expect. Now initially, (Sabres GM) Kevyn Adams wanted a right-shot defenseman as part of a package for Byram, but he got that from the Peterka trade. I’m looking at L.A., Vegas, St. Louis, Vancouver, Colorado, and maybe a long shot, the Toronto Maple Leafs as teams with interest in Byram.”

The long-term deals with Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, and Mattias Samuelsson already solidify the Sabres’ left-shot defensemen. This would force Byram to play on his off-hand or as an extra defenseman.

What Would The Avs Have to Give Up

If the Avalanche really wanted to bring Byram back to Colorado, they have to make a lot of room in the cap. Colorado has only $1.2 million left in cap space, so they would have to clear a lot. Josh Manson could clear $4.5 million, but that would sacrifice size on the blue line for the Avalanche. They could include Sam Malinski to sweeten the deal. Malinski is a RFA with arbitration rights. His performance this past season would have justified a salary of at least $1.7 million.

Why it Won’t Work

The Avalanche would have to give up one of their biggest defensemen other than Keaton Middleton (44 games of NHL experience). Manson has been one of the few players to stand up for his teammates, so the Avalanche may not want to lose that. The price is also not right. Just to receive a qualifying offer, Byram will have to be offered $4.62 million. This would leave the Avalanche with only $1.08 million and room for no other moves to be made. Not to mention, Byram will probably want more than $4.62 million. The math just simply does not add up.