--- title: "Sabres climb to No. 4 in 2026 draft pecking order after Byram deal" description: "Buffalo lands a top-four slot while San Jose doubles up in the top nine after a pre-draft trade blitz reorders the first round." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/mock-2026-nhl-draft-1st-round-predictions-after-trade-frenz-5f3bbb6a published: 2026-06-30T13:44:32.472+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T13:44:32.472+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Sabres climb to No. 4 in 2026 draft pecking order after Byram deal > Buffalo lands a top-four slot while San Jose doubles up in the top nine after a pre-draft trade blitz reorders the first round. The Buffalo Sabres vaulted to No. 4 in a mock 2026 NHL Draft order by shipping defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks, according to a fresh projection released this week. The trade alone would have shifted the Sabres’ position, but the broader frenzy of pre-draft moves accelerated the reshuffle. The San Jose Sharks emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, landing two selections inside the top nine after absorbing multiple picks in a single flurry of deals. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, slid down the board after absorbing Byram’s cap hit and draft capital. The mock order reflects a market where teams are aggressively maneuvering to secure premium assets before the 2026 NHL Draft. Byram, a 23-year-old right-shot defenseman with 141 NHL games and 66 points, becomes the centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuild effort. Buffalo, already stocked with Connor McMichael, Dylan Cozens, and Owen Power, now has a top-four slot to target a franchise cornerstone. The Sharks’ double dip in the top nine underscores how a trade-heavy approach can multiply opportunities. Their new pair of high-end selections gives them two bites at elite forwards or defensemen expected to headline the 2026 class. NHL insiders noted that the pace of deals suggests front offices are treating this offseason as a zero-sum game for draft positioning. “Every move now sets the board for July,” said one scout. “If you’re not in the top tier, you’re playing catch-up before the puck even drops on the draft.” The Sabres’ maneuvering fits a broader trend of teams leveraging established NHL talent to reset their draft outlook. Byram’s 66-point resume and 141-game experience make him a rare commodity—one that Chicago is betting will anchor its rebuild. Meanwhile, Buffalo’s jump to No. 4 isn’t just about landing a star; it’s about creating a pipeline that could pair a potential franchise player with its existing core of McMichael, Cozens, and Power. For San Jose, the two top-nine picks are a high-risk, high-reward play. The Sharks have missed the playoffs in four straight seasons, and their draft capital had dwindled. Now, with two chances to land a generational talent, they’re betting on volume to reverse their fortunes. The strategy mirrors moves made by other rebuilding teams in recent years, where front offices have prioritized acquiring extra picks over short-term wins. The trade’s ripple effects extend beyond Buffalo and San Jose. The Blackhawks’ acquisition of Byram signals a long-term commitment to defensive stability, a priority for a franchise that has cycled through blue-liners in recent seasons. Chicago’s front office is clearly signaling that they’re all-in on a rebuild that prioritizes blue-chip defensemen, a position where Byram’s NHL readiness provides immediate value. Meanwhile, the Sabres’ draft repositioning aligns with a franchise-wide reset that began under new ownership in 2023. Buffalo’s front office has emphasized youth and flexibility, and the Byram deal accelerates that timeline. The No. 4 slot now becomes a bargaining chip—either to trade up further or to land a generational talent who could step into a top-pairing role alongside Power. What's next: Expect more pre-draft maneuvers as teams jockey for position leading into the 2026 NHL Draft, with the next wave of trades likely to target both established NHLers and high-ceiling prospects. ## Why this matters A single weekend of wheeling and dealing flipped the 2026 NHL Draft board before the first round even starts. Buffalo jumps into the top tier for a chance to pair a franchise cornerstone with its young core, while San Jose now owns two cracks at elite talent inside the top nine. The ripple effects could redefine the next wave of NHL stars—and force rebuilding teams to either double down on volume or bet big on a single high-ceiling pick. ## Frequently asked ### Why did the Sabres trade Bowen Byram to the Blackhawks? The Sabres moved Byram to Chicago as part of a broader strategy to reorder their draft position and add future assets. The deal immediately elevated Buffalo into the top four of a mock 2026 draft board. ### How many picks did the Sharks gain in the top nine? The Sharks secured two selections inside the top nine after absorbing multiple picks in a single flurry of pre-draft trades, according to the latest mock order. ### What does this mean for the 2026 NHL Draft? The trade frenzy has reordered the first-round pecking order before the draft even begins, giving teams like San Jose and Buffalo more chances to land franchise cornerstones. ### Who is Bowen Byram? Byram is a 23-year-old right-shot defenseman with 141 NHL games and 66 points. He becomes the centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuild after the trade with Buffalo. ### Will more trades happen before the 2026 draft? Insiders expect additional pre-draft maneuvers as teams jockey for position, with the next wave likely targeting both NHL players and high-ceiling prospects. ### How does this affect the Blackhawks’ rebuild? Chicago’s acquisition of Byram signals a long-term commitment to defensive stability, addressing a key need for a franchise that has cycled through blue-liners in recent seasons. ## Sources & Citations - [Mock 2026 NHL Draft: 1st-round predictions after trade frenzy - NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com/news/final-mock-2026-nhl-draft-intrigue-after-first-three-picks) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-24) --- Cite: Sabres climb to No. 4 in 2026 draft pecking order after Byram deal. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/mock-2026-nhl-draft-1st-round-predictions-after-trade-frenz-5f3bbb6a