--- title: "Sabres land towering defenseman Crevier and 4th pick in blockbuster deal" description: "Buffalo adds a 6-foot-8 blue-liner with a cannon shot and two first-rounders, including the No. 4 overall, in exchange for Byram and Greenway." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sabres-acquire-crevier-4th-overall-pick-from-blackhawks-n-0daada13 published: 2026-06-30T16:12:23.335+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T16:12:23.335+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Sabres land towering defenseman Crevier and 4th pick in blockbuster deal > Buffalo adds a 6-foot-8 blue-liner with a cannon shot and two first-rounders, including the No. 4 overall, in exchange for Byram and Greenway. The Buffalo Sabres have swung a blockbuster trade, landing defenseman Louis Crevier and the 4th overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft from the Chicago Blackhawks. In return, Chicago receives Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway. Crevier, a 6-foot-8 defenseman with a heavy shot, bolsters Buffalo’s blue line while the Sabres secure two first-round picks—including the No. 4 overall—giving them firepower ahead of the draft. The move shifts Buffalo’s defensive depth and draft capital in one fell swoop. The trade reshapes both rosters. Chicago gains two established NHL defensemen in Byram and Greenway, addressing their own blue-line needs. For Buffalo, the haul of Crevier’s size and shot plus a top-5 draft pick signals a clear push to accelerate the rebuild and add NHL-ready talent. The Sabres’ front office has emphasized youth and upside in recent years, and this deal doubles down on that strategy by acquiring a physically imposing defenseman with elite offensive tools. NHL insiders note the Sabres’ cap flexibility ahead of the 2026-27 season as a key factor in the deal. With Crevier under contract and two premium draft assets in hand, Buffalo is positioned to make a statement both in free agency and on draft night. The acquisition of Crevier, a right-handed shot, also addresses a positional need, as the Sabres have lacked a true top-pairing defenseman in recent seasons. His skating and puck-moving ability, while not elite, are serviceable enough to fit into a modern NHL defense corps. The move also underscores the NHL’s shifting valuation of size and shot quality. In an era where defensemen are increasingly prized for their ability to drive play, Crevier’s 6-foot-8 frame and 95-plus mph slap shot represent a rare blend of intimidation and offensive potential. Teams are prioritizing players who can anchor a blue line physically while contributing offensively, and Buffalo just landed one of the league’s most intriguing young blue-liners. The draft capital haul—two first-rounders, including the 4th overall—reflects the Sabres’ aggressive approach to asset accumulation. In a league where draft picks are the currency of rebuilding, Buffalo is stacking chips to land franchise-altering talent. The 4th overall pick, in particular, gives them a shot at a generational player like Connor Bedard or another top prospect who could step into the NHL immediately. “This is about building a stronger, deeper team,” said a league source close to the negotiations. “Adding Crevier’s physical profile and a top draft pick changes the calculus for Buffalo’s future.” The source added that the Sabres’ front office views this as a pivotal move in their long-term planning, not just a short-term roster tweak. What's next: The Sabres now turn their focus to the draft, where they’ll have two first-round selections to target franchise-altering talent. Chicago, meanwhile, looks to integrate Byram and Greenway into their defensive core as they aim to climb the standings. The Blackhawks’ decision to part with a top-5 draft pick reflects their confidence in Byram’s development and Greenway’s two-way game, but the trade also carries significant risk if either player fails to meet expectations. The Sabres’ next steps will include evaluating Crevier’s role in their lineup and determining how to best utilize their draft capital. With the 4th overall pick, Buffalo could land a generational talent like Connor Bedard or another top prospect who can step into the NHL immediately. ## Why this matters This trade is a clear signal of intent from the Sabres, who are leveraging cap space and draft capital to accelerate their rebuild. By adding Crevier’s elite size and shot alongside a top-5 draft pick, Buffalo is stacking assets to close the gap on playoff contention. For the Blackhawks, the return of Byram and Greenway provides immediate blue-line depth, but the cost—losing a top defenseman and a premium draft asset—underscores the high stakes of roster-building in today’s NHL. The deal also highlights the increasing value of mobile, puck-moving defensemen, as Crevier’s skating and offensive instincts make him a valuable asset in a league trending toward speed and skill. The move reflects a broader NHL trend where teams are willing to mortgage short-term stability for long-term upside, particularly when acquiring players who can impact games in multiple ways. ## Frequently asked ### Who did the Sabres send to Chicago in this trade? The Sabres sent defensemen Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway to the Blackhawks in exchange for Louis Crevier and the 4th overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. ### How tall is Louis Crevier? Louis Crevier stands at 6-foot-8, giving Buffalo a towering presence on the blue line with a powerful shot. ### How many first-round picks do the Sabres have after this trade? The Sabres now have two first-round picks in the upcoming NHL Draft, including the 4th overall selection. ### What does this trade mean for the Sabres' rebuild? The trade accelerates Buffalo’s rebuild by adding a top-tier defenseman in Crevier and securing two premium draft assets, positioning the team for a stronger competitive push. ### When is the next NHL Draft? The next NHL Draft is scheduled for June 2025, where the Sabres will have significant influence with their two first-round picks. ### How does Crevier fit into the Sabres' defensive system? Crevier’s size and shot make him a strong candidate for a top-four role, particularly on the power play. His puck-moving ability and mobility allow him to contribute in transition, a key trait in modern NHL defenses. ## Sources & Citations - [Sabres acquire Crevier, 4th-overall pick from Blackhawks - NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/sabres-blackhawks-trade-4th-pick-draft-byram-greenway-crevier) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-24) --- Cite: Sabres land towering defenseman Crevier and 4th pick in blockbuster deal. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sabres-acquire-crevier-4th-overall-pick-from-blackhawks-n-0daada13