Sabres Unlikely to Include Top Prospect in Potential Robert Thomas Trade

Buffalo Sabres reportedly won't part with defenseman Bowen Byram in a deal for Blues center Robert Thomas.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:56pm

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The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly interested in acquiring St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas ahead of the NHL trade deadline, but The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford reports that the Sabres are not expected to include top prospect Bowen Byram as part of a potential trade package. Byram, a defenseman, was previously the subject of trade rumors involving the Blues last summer, but he is not expected to be moved in a deal for Thomas.

Why it matters

The Sabres are looking to bolster their roster with an established center like Thomas, who is 26 years old and under team control. However, Byram is considered one of Buffalo's top young talents, so the team is unwilling to part with him in a trade. This suggests the Sabres may have to offer a significant package of draft picks and/or other prospects to land Thomas from the rebuilding Blues.

The details

According to Rutherford's report, the Blues had interest in acquiring Byram from the Sabres last summer, but he is not expected to be included in a potential deal for Thomas. Byram, who started his career with the Colorado Avalanche before being traded to Buffalo, had a contract standoff with the Sabres last offseason before signing a two-year, $6.25 million deal. With a new general manager in place in Buffalo, there's a possibility Byram and the team could reach a long-term agreement, rather than trading him away.

  • The Sabres and Blues have been engaged in trade discussions ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline.

The players

Robert Thomas

A 26-year-old center for the St. Louis Blues who is expected to be a target for the Buffalo Sabres ahead of the trade deadline.

Bowen Byram

A top defensive prospect for the Buffalo Sabres who is not expected to be included in a potential trade for Robert Thomas.

Jarmo Kekalainen

The current general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, who could potentially reach a long-term deal with Bowen Byram.

Kevyn Adams

The previous general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, who was unable to reach a long-term deal with Bowen Byram before being fired.

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What they’re saying

“The Blues had interest in Buffalo D Bowen Byram last summer, but I'm told he's not expected to be part of a potential Thomas deal.”

— Jeremy Rutherford, Reporter

What’s next

The Sabres will need to determine what other assets they can offer the Blues in a potential trade for Robert Thomas, who has a full no-trade clause and would need to approve any deal to Buffalo.

The takeaway

The Sabres' unwillingness to include top prospect Bowen Byram in a trade for Robert Thomas suggests they view him as a key part of their long-term future, even as they look to bolster their roster with an established center like Thomas ahead of the trade deadline.