Bowen Byram out for Saturday’s game is the latest wrinkle for the Chicago Blackhawks, who visit the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. The 25-year-old defenseman will miss his return to Buffalo because of a family matter, according to multiple reports. Puck drop is 6 p.m. CDT (7 p.m. EDT).
Bowen Byram out: who replaces him on defense?
Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro are expected to make their season debuts on the blue line, replacing Byram and scratched defenseman Sam Rinzel, Chicago Hockey Now reported. Chicago’s top line also is back together, with Roman Kantserov, Frank Nazar and Patrick Kane skating as a trio after being split up in the first two games.
Why was this game a big one for Byram?
The Sabres traded Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to Chicago on June 23. Buffalo received the No. 4 pick in the 2026 draft, defenseman Louis Crevier and a second-round pick, TSN reported. Crevier later signed a Louis Crevier extension with Buffalo.
Colorado drafted Byram, and he won a Stanley Cup there in 2022. He joined Buffalo in 2024 and set a career high with 42 points last season, when the Sabres went 50-23-9 and ended a 14-season playoff drought. Byram has said facing an old team brings extra energy, but “it’s another game,” according to Sabrespace.
How rough has Chicago’s start been?
The Blackhawks are 0-2 after a 5-2 loss at Vegas on Sept. 30 and a 6-0 loss at Utah on Oct. 1. They have been outscored 11-2. Byram struggled in both games, and coach Jeff Blashill tried moving him to his natural left side during the Utah game.
Buffalo is 0-1 after losing its opener. Our Blackhawks vs. Sabres preview breaks down the matchup, and the Blackhawks vs. Mammoth preview covers the Utah game.
What is next for Byram?
Reports did not say how long Byram will be away. Greenway is expected to face his former team Saturday.
