The Pursuit of a Stanley Cup: Rangers’ Aggressive Approach
The New York Rangers’ acquisition of JT Miller sends a clear message: they’re all-in on winning a Stanley Cup sooner rather than later. Rebuilding is not an option, and they’re willing to make bold moves to fill the gaps in their lineup. The latest addition plugs a significant hole in their forward group, but there’s still work to be done.
A Top-Pair Defenseman: The Next Priority
With one major hole filled, the Rangers’ focus shifts to their defense. They need a true top-pair talent to ride alongside Adam Fox for the remainder of his prime. Enter Bowen Byram, a highly skilled defenseman from the Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres’ Conundrum
The Sabres are stuck in a rut, having not made the playoffs since 2011. They’re likely to miss the postseason again, sitting fourth in the Tankathon race for best lottery odds. It’s time for a change, and trading Byram could be the catalyst.
Why Byram Makes Sense
Byram is an exceptional skater, puck carrier, and playmaker with room to improve defensively. He’s not a liability and has shown his physicality, logging 23+ minutes per night alongside Rasmus Dahlin. With two RFA years left, his qualifying offer sits at $4.6M, but he’s due for a long-term contract with an AAV starting at $7M.
The Sabres’ Dilemma: Too Many Similar Defenders
Buffalo has over $23.5M committed to three left-shot defenders for at least five more seasons. Adding Byram’s long-term deal would put them over $30M annually on four similar defenders. It’s time to mix things up and add a right-shot banger to their top-four.
Enter Braden Schneider
Schneider, a 6’4″ stay-at-home defenseman, is the perfect fit for the Sabres. He’s a good skater who doesn’t hesitate to join the offensive mix, and his physical presence is undeniable. With a $2.2M price tag and two RFA years left, Schneider’s long-term deal will be significantly less than Byram’s.
Why the Rangers Would Part with Schneider
The Rangers need a left-shot defender to deploy opposite Adam Fox. With Lindgren’s decline and K’Andre Miller’s consistency issues, Schneider becomes expendable. The addition of Will Borgen, a similar player, makes Schneider’s ceiling a 5/6 role.
A Swap That Makes Sense
A trade involving Schneider and Byram as the primary pieces would be a win-win for both teams. The Rangers would get a legitimate top-pair sidekick for Fox, while the Sabres would add right-shot stay-at-home sandpaper to their top-four and agitating middle-six wing talent.
The Time to Act is Now
The Rangers should be aggressive in pursuing Byram, and the Sabres should consider the benefits of trading him. With the cap set to rise over $25M in the next three years, now is the time to lock up long-term deals. The Rangers can afford to go long-term with Byram, and the Sabres can revamp their forward group and add much-needed grit. It’s time to make a move.
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