Sport

Sabres and Mammoth Declare Salary Arbitration for Stars Byram and McBain!

2025-07-06

Author: Jacob

Two Teams Lock in Salary Arbitration with Key Players

In a bold move, the Buffalo Sabres and the Colorado Mammoth are taking a significant step by electing salary arbitration for defenseman Bowen Byram and center Jack McBain, as reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. This decision catapults the count of players facing potential arbitration hearings this summer to an impressive 13.

When a team pursues arbitration, it effectively eliminates the risk of an offer sheet from rival teams. This means the Sabres and Byram, along with the Mammoth and McBain, have entered contractual agreements that will remain binding unless a mutual deal is struck before their hearings.

What Team-Elected Arbitration Means for Players

Unlike player-initiated arbitration, where players have more control, a team cannot simply walk away if the awarded Average Annual Value (AAV) exceeds $4.85 million. This puts the teams at the mercy of the arbitrator's decision, which is crucial for both Byram and McBain, as they can opt for either one- or two-year deals.

Should they choose two-year contracts, both players could step into unrestricted free agency in 2027. If they opt for one-year deals, they remain restricted free agents next season.

Negotiations Heating Up: Byram's Situation is Critical

Currently, the outlook appears encouraging for McBain and Utah, but the Sabres and Byram may need arbitration to reach a successful resolution. Byram decided against initiating his own arbitration, aiming to capitalize on a breakout season. However, Buffalo is hesitant to pay more when they already have established stars like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power on hefty contracts.

Interestingly, Byram could have faced an offer sheet as late as 4:00 p.m. CT yesterday, but no other teams made a bid to challenge the Sabres.

Buffalo Prepares for Financial Flexibility

If the arbitration hearing becomes necessary for Byram, Buffalo is in a strong financial position with $13.64 million in cap space readily available, which is sufficient to negotiate new contracts for both Byram and fellow restricted free agent defenseman Conor Timmins.

Additionally, Buffalo remains open to trading Byram. However, with the arbitration hearing on the horizon, a sign-and-trade arrangement may be the only viable option unless they wait until after any potential arbitration award.

The Clock is Ticking: One-Time Arbitration Only

It's important to note that if Byram and McBain opt for one-year contracts, neither team can pursue team-elected arbitration with them again in 2026. Players are limited to one team-elected arbitration in their careers, whether it proceeds to a hearing or not.