The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade that took place during NHL draft week, bolstering Chicago’s defensive corps ahead of the 2026 season. The deal involved Chicago sending the Nos. 4 and 45 overall picks in this year’s draft, along with 25-year-old defenseman Louis Crevier, to Buffalo.

Byram, 25, arrives in Chicago following a career-best 2025-26 season in which he scored 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists), blocked 93 shots, and averaged over 22 minutes of ice time per game. The British Columbia native was originally selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019 before being traded to Buffalo in 2024. Early in his career, Byram faced significant setbacks due to concussion-related injuries, limiting him to no more than 42 games per season over his first three years. However, he has played a full 82-game slate in each of the past two seasons, demonstrating improved durability.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson emphasized Byram’s versatility and leadership qualities, describing him as a “proven, legitimate, top-of-the-line defenseman” capable of playing in every situation. Davidson pointed to Byram’s ability to quarterback the power play and play effectively on both the left and right side as key assets that will support the development of Chicago’s younger defensemen. “We feel 100% wholeheartedly he can be that guy and will be that guy,” Davidson said, referring to Byram as a potential top-pair No. 1 defenseman.

The inclusion of Crevier in the trade package drew particular attention. Crevier, 25, enjoyed a breakout season with 25 points (7 goals, 18 assists) and was noted for his physical style of play, including 95 blocked shots and 124 hits. Davidson acknowledged the heavy price paid but underscored the priority of acquiring a player of Byram’s caliber to anchor the Blackhawks’ defense.

Greenway, a 6-foot-6, 231-pound forward, adds size and physicality to Chicago’s bottom six. He scored six points (one goal, five assists) in 40 games with Buffalo last season. Davidson highlighted Greenway’s ability to forecheck and create pressure on opposing defenders as a valuable component of the Blackhawks’ forward group.

Byram, who has strong ties to the Chicago organization through his father Shawn Byram—who played a single NHL game with the Blackhawks in the 1991-92 season—expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. A longtime fan of the team he once saw defeat his childhood favorite Vancouver Canucks in multiple playoff series, Byram said he is eager to contribute and is optimistic about his future in Chicago. He is also eligible for a contract extension on July 1 and indicated a strong desire to remain with the Blackhawks long-term.

The trade follows recent reports that Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen attempted to persuade Byram to re-sign with Buffalo, but the defenseman was seeking a chance to step into a No. 1 role, which he expects to find in Chicago. Byram said he has been preparing for an opportunity like this and is proud to join the Blackhawks as they aim to improve and compete.

Meanwhile, Chicago continues efforts to secure a long-term contract for forward Connor Bedard, 20, who is also from British Columbia. Byram and Bedard have a prior acquaintance from offseason skating sessions in Vancouver and have already exchanged messages following the trade.