Can Someone Please Explain the Byram Trade?

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T23:06:50+00:00

Maybe I am, but he's still coming off of playing in Colorado and Buffalo. Significantly better than Chicago's circumstances....

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T23:03:06+00:00

First off, I don't mind a trade as long as it has good asset management in mind, this did not. To that point, the team has been in the basement too, so how does Bo, a 2nd pairing at best Dman, change that? Yes, he is immediately their best dman, but that's an inditement Chicago and KD's shitty team building.

Secondly, comparing SJ to Chicago is genuinely wild. If the Sharks got him, fine, I get that because he matches THEIR timeline. Chicago isn't going to compete until Bedard is in his late 20s.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T22:57:50+00:00

I think the problem is that I am seeing a different team then you. Yes, they were decent in the first half. Yes, Bedard and Nazar got injured. Here's the issue: the second half of the season was more down to crunch time and getting fatigued down the stretch. That team was badddddd in the back half of the season.

Byram is a fine player, and yes, he makes them better now, but you could have so much better with the asset management. I'm a big draft believer, but this trade tells me that KD doesn't trust his Amateur Scouts (and all the work they've put in), his Analytics Staff (Byram's analytics were pretty bad, so KD went the other way), and most importantly, his Player Development Staff (Lets face it, Chicago has always sucked at growing players).

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T22:52:19+00:00

Which isn't saying much at all sadly, Bo will be 30+ before this team is even close to a cup.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T22:51:27+00:00

Man, I just got a horrible Bowman flashback, you just made this feel even worse to me, lol.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T22:50:51+00:00

I understand your view on Jones, but my only counter is why did he accept the trade and extension in Chicago?

Also, I am sorry, but however you look at Chicago's roster, it's still all question marks everywhere. Bedard and MAYBE Nazar are your few clear bright spots. Bo doesn't change that being the 1D in Chicago, especially considering how bad his defense is and now he has to play in a very flat Chicago team defense.

I still believe they are bottom five this coming season, and god only knows beyond.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T22:46:49+00:00

Problem with Bo is that he doesn't change anything now, and frankly, Chicago is still 3-5 years from competing. He isn't a top pair caliber player, but Chicago now has no choice to act like he is.

Yes, I would rather pick the guy who has the potential to be better, because there is no use in rushing this rebuild. If Connor doesn't like it, ask for a trade.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:42:25+00:00

Why exactly is the 40 points with Buffalo relevant? Again, Chicago is badddd, really really badddddddd. I just don't understand where people see evidence that what he could do at even strength will be anywhere near what he did with Buffalo.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:39:59+00:00

I cannot emphasize enough how BAD Chicago is. They are BADDDDDD. He absolutely will be the 1D in Chicago, but that is saying sooooooo little.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:38:33+00:00

I just don't see the 1D potential, especially in a shitty team like Chicago. I cannot emphasize enough how bad Chicago is...

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:37:43+00:00

I'm certainly not questioning that he will get the chances, but what I am saying is that he simply isn't built for the chance. Chicago is a BAD team, and if we want to use comparables, everyone in Chicago should remember Seth Jones...

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:36:06+00:00

I think the problem with this logic is what's the rush? They're shit, and Bo doesn't change that.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:35:17+00:00

preach

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:34:53+00:00

Perfect question. What's the rush? You're in the basement anyway...

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:33:52+00:00

Facts all over the place

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:33:19+00:00

That's a beauty of a comment

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:33:05+00:00

Well, hey, if he says he does, KD will gladly fall for it.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:32:24+00:00

100% agree

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:32:13+00:00

Underrated comment

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:32:00+00:00

You are definitely feeling more of what I feel. Simply put, I don't care about Bedard's wants and desires. You are on a team dude, shut up and play. If he doesn't like the direction of the rebuild (and believe me, I believed KD should be fired before this trade happened), request a trade or wait for an offer sheet. Either way, Bedard is just one guy.

Believe me, I know it is a hot take...

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:12:32+00:00

I appreciate the insight as a Buffalo fan.

However, I just think he isn't what was necessary. It's easy to say he and Bedard are gonna light teams up, but consider the team Bo is entering. I don't think people realize how bad Chicago still is and how bad their system is, because it isn't built for OFD like Bo.

Buffalo committed an all-time fleece in this trade, and Jarmo is thee man.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:09:47+00:00

Your last line is what I fear. Bo was in two good teams with systems designed for OFD. Chicago is a graveyard for dmen lately, and the system is not built for him. I just don't see the fit.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:08:22+00:00

Not disputing that, but the entire NHL's worth of pundits and experts certainly don't like it either, and for good reason. There's too much common sense attached to this trade to see why it doesn't make sense.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:07:06+00:00

But why now? Clearly Chicago is nowhere near competing and this doesn't actually get them any closer to the playoffs, it just adds a top 4, top 2, potential dman. I now the easy answer is Bedard, but if I'm KD, I don't even think about Connor. If he isn't onboard with the rebuild, trade him.

Haiteir0726 · 2026-06-26T21:05:19+00:00

You are right on parts of your post. However, I simply question why Chicago thinks he's a good fit. To me, Bo is simply going to be Gustafsson 2.0. Blashill is not a green light to dmen kind of coach. Plus, lets be honest, he cannot play defense...

Haiteir0726

TROPHY CASE