The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly showing interest in two restricted free agents from the Buffalo Sabres. With the NHL Draft approaching and free agency beginning on July 1, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is said to be actively making calls, aiming to bolster his team through potential trades. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, multiple teams have expressed interest, with defenseman Bowen Byram and forward JJ Peterka emerging as prime targets.
Byram, 23, has been the subject of trade speculation since the season ended. He’s seeking a substantial raise and a role on a top defensive pairing—something that’s unlikely in Buffalo, given the significant contracts already allocated to Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power on the blue line.
Peterka, who finished second in team scoring with 68 points, might also be vulnerable to an offer sheet, similar to how the St. Louis Blues acquired Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg from Edmonton last summer.
Pagnotta reports that the Canucks are keen on both Byram and Peterka. Other teams expressing interest in Peterka include the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Vancouver has had a long-standing interest in Byram, a native of Cranbrook, British Columbia, and was previously linked to him during trade rumors involving Canucks center Elias Pettersson.
Pettersson, whose performance dropped from 89 points to 45 (15 goals, 30 assists) last season, is entering the first year of an eight-year, $92.8 million contract. His no-movement clause activates on July 1, meaning any trade would have to occur before then. TSN’s Darren Dreger also notes that Vancouver had pursued Sabres center Josh Norris before he was traded from Ottawa for Dylan Cozens, a factor that might play into any discussions around Pettersson if the Canucks are considering moving him in the coming days.
