Massive failed trade leaks involving Bowen Byram

Gauthier was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in return for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2nd round pick in 2025.

A few weeks later, we learned that this transaction could have been quite different. Indeed, according to John Buccigross, Brière was actually working on a deal with the Colorado Avalanche to acquire the young Bowen Byram. The trade was aborted by Gauthier himself, as his short list of destinations where he was willing to be traded did not include Colorado...

In the end, Byram was finally traded to Buffalo in exchange for the young Casey Mittelstadt at the trade deadline. One of the rare "hockey" trades during the frenzy of that day.

Just imagine if the Flyers had gotten Byram instead of Drysdale in their lineup. Although both have a reputation for being fragile due to their injury history, the player acquired by Brière has been injured since February 26th with symptoms resembling a concussion. He will not return to play for at least another week.

On the other hand, Byram has played in every game since joining his new team and seems to be in top form, accumulating 6 points in 11 games with the Sabres.

Trading Gauthier to Colorado for Byram would also have changed the situation regarding Casey Mittelstadt. He would certainly have been traded, but to whom and for what? Who knows if the Habs could have gotten their hands on the young forward who is exactly what the Montreal club is looking for!