Results: 07/07/2025 - Byrum, York off the NHL RFA Market

 

Arbitration & Re-Signings: Sabres and Flyers Defense Updates 🏒

Bowen Byram – Buffalo Sabres

• 2024–25 Stats: Played all 82 games with 7 goals, 31 assists for 38 points; +11 rating; averaged 18:23 ice time per night. 
• Talent & Strengths: A former top-5 pick, Byram brings heavy shot volume, strong skating, and two-way instincts – elite in suppressing chances while also jumping into offense.
• Context: Sabres filed for arbitration Sunday, likely keeping Byram another year. He’s seeking a big contract—closer to top-pairing money, though not quite at Noah Dobson’s level—highlighting how Buffalo sees him as a core piece.

Cam York – Philadelphia Flyers

• 2024–25 Stats: Featured in 66 games, with 4 goals, 13 assists (17 pts); –8 rating; averaged 20:46 TOI/game; 26 shots and 0 PPG.
• Talent & Strengths: A first-rounder in 2019, York delivers strong mobility, puck transition skills, and steady defensive play. Though his physicality and reliability have grown, he still offers modest offensive upside. 
• Contract: Signed a 5-year extension at ~$5M per season, underscoring Philly’s long-term belief in him despite a prospect pipeline heavy on defense.

Summary & Takeaways 

• Byram: Emerging top-4 defenseman with scoring touch and two-way prowess. Arbitration signals Buffalo’s confidence—and his imminent big payday.
• York: Reliable top-four D-man with steady playmaking and defensive transition skills. His new contract cements him as a central part of Philadelphia’s blue line.