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Blackhawks' Bowen Byram gamble comes with massive risk

Chicago paid a premium price for a defenseman who still has plenty to prove
ByCasey McAleer|
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Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) skates against Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) during the second period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) skates against Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) during the second period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The Blackhawks traded the fourth overall pick in this year's draft in exchange for defenseman Bowen Byram. Many fans and pundits alike can't wrap their heads around the price the Blackhawks have paid for a deal that doesn't exactly favor them. Chicago finally had the chance to add a blue-chip winger to the line and to give Bedard another piece of support, but instead they've shipped out the highest pick they have.

The Blackhawks have been in a precarious position with the fourth overall selection, and now we finally have our answer. The thing is, is it the outcome that the franchise can be proud of? As with all trades, only time will tell, but at the moment, the price seems very steep for a lot of question marks.

The Blackhawks just cashed in a lottery ticket

The 4th top pick is extremely valuable. The process to acquire another is not an easy one, and it's particularly difficult for the Blackhawks to even attempt it again. This move signals a significant shift in the tone we've heard from the team. The focus has been to keep adding top talent that would bud in the future. They've been laying foundational pieces for the future.

Now, general manager Kyle Davidson makes the largest move of his tenure in Chicago to pick up an established defenseman in Byram. He scored a career high 42 points last season, and tallied most of them with assists. Byram was a part of the 2022 Avalanche that took home the Stanley Cup, which is more experience than almost any Blackhawks player can boast.

It's very easy to be upset because the Blackhawks overpaid in a trade. But that's the magnificent beauty of a trade. You never know who the victor is until all the dust has truly settled. Sometimes it looks bad on paper for months before it comes to fruition. Sometimes it takes a season or two to see how the opponent has squandered the picks you sent their way.

The Blackhawks may ultimately prove everyone wrong if Byram develops into the top-pairing defenseman they believe he can be. Until that happens, though, it's fair to question whether sacrificing the fourth overall pick was a gamble worth taking for a team that is still very much building toward its future.

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