Byram vs Power - Who are you keeping long-term?

[GASabresIUFAN]

They are only a year apart age wise.  Both were top prospects.  Adams gave Power the big (and undeserved) contract, but only bridged Byram.  Within a year or two one of the them is getting replaced by the younger and cheaper Mrtka.  

Byram has 3g 6a for 9 pts in 19 games with a -4. He has 7 pts at EV including all 3 goals with 2 PP assists.  25 BLKs and 14 Hits.

Power has 2g 5a for 7 pts in 18 games with a -8.  He has 5 pts at EV including both goals, zero PP points, but 2 SH assists.  The SH assists are a positive surprise.  16 BLKs and 9 Hits.  

As I wrote above I don’t think the Sabres will keep both long-term.  Both are good assets that can be moved to help other areas of need like top 6 forwards or goaltending.  Contract wise Byram is the one likely to be moved, but IMHO his play is outstripping Power.  Both are pretty even offensively, but Byram seems to bring more defensively and is obviously the more engaged player physically.  Power still seems to easy for opponents to skate around.  

An interesting development for both players is a substantial increase in PK time.  Power is being utilized more on the PK, but both are being used each game especially recently.  

So who are you keeping? Who do you think is the better?

Edited 6 hours ago by GASabresIUFAN

[bob_sauve28]

9 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

They are only a year apart age wise.  Both were top prospects.  Adams gave Power the big (and undeserved) contract, but only bridged Byram.  Within a year or two one of the them is getting replaced by the younger and cheaper Mrtka.  

Byram has 3g 6a for 9 pts in 19 games with a -4. He has 7 pts at EV including all 3 goals with 2 PP assists.  25 BLKs and 14 Hits.

Power has 2g 5a for 7 pts in 18 games with a -8.  He has 5 pts at EV including both goals, zero PP points, but 2 SH assists.  The SH assists are a positive surprise.  16 BLKs and 9 Hits.  

As I wrote above I don’t think the Sabres will keep both long-term.  Both are good assets that can be moved to help other areas of need like top 6 forwards or goaltending.  Contract wise Byram is the one likely to be moved, but IMHO his play is outstripping Power.  Both are pretty even offensively, but Byram seems to be more defensively and is obviously the more engaged player physically.  Power still seems to easy for opponents to skate around.  

An interesting development for both players is a substantial increase in PK time.  Power is being utilized more on the PK, but both are being used each game especially recently.  

So who are you keeping? Who do you think is the better?

I love Bo but he is gone after this contract is up. He could of signed long term here but probably wants to go someplace where he is the main guy on PP. 

 

Power will just get better and his deal will look great in a few years 

[CTJoe]

Not sure why you can't keep both but, Byram is the obvious choice and always has been. Cap is going up significantly each year for the forseable future

[Mr Peabody]

If one must go, You trade whoever gives the best return. 

[French Collection]

I like Byram better. Better skater, more physical and a better shooter.

Power has regressed. He may bounce back but his defensive game is really weak. Teams are not afraid to dump it in his corner or stand in front of the net. Some extended time on the 3rd pairing and focusing on PK could be his wake up call.

Both of these guys realize they will never be the guy on this team, find your lane and excel in that role.

[GASabresIUFAN]

28 minutes ago, CTJoe said:

Not sure why you can't keep both but, Byram is the obvious choice and always has been. Cap is going up significantly each year for the forseable future

So you want the Lobster and the Cracked Crab?

I think the answer to your question comes down to usage and opportunity and this is where Byram's contract comes in.  I don't think Bowen wants to play 3rd fiddle to Power and Dahlin long-term.  

After next season Byram's contract is up, but he is still an RFA.  I suspect his agent will try to force a trade out of town.  

Edited 6 hours ago by GASabresIUFAN

[Broken Ankles]

Can we trade both?  Half joking, half serious.  Ras is the only D that we have seen that truly affects play.  These two are higher priced, elite JAGs.  If we can get a top 3 and another Defensive D man, I’d be open.  If I had to keep one it’s Power, only bc the contract certainty.  $8.25m will look like a bargain in a few. 

[Taro T]

10 minutes ago, French Collection said:

I like Byram better. Better skater, more physical and a better shooter.

Power has regressed. He may bounce back but his defensive game is really weak. Teams are not afraid to dump it in his corner or stand in front of the net. Some extended time on the 3rd pairing and focusing on PK could be his wake up call.

Both of these guys realize they will never be the guy on this team, find your lane and excel in that role.

IF they can find a partner that works for/with Byram (besides Dahlin), would expect LT getting an extension on him and trading Power when/if necessary would be the better play.  And maybe now Timmons can be that guy; they played very well together yesterday but were absolute trash in Detroit together; didn't pay that close attention to the matchups they were getting but 1 game being home and the other being on the road say that matchups could've been a huge factor in that.

If not, keep Power.  Byram's highs have been better than Power's, but his lows have been even worse.  And there's a bigger risk of getting bad Byram than getting bad Power IMHO because his play seems to be so partner dependent.

Though with the cap going up as much as it will soon, and with Byram showing he ISN'T a 1 or a 2, not completely convinced they can't keep them both.  Mrkta will be on an entry level contract for 3 years when he finally arrives; Muel is locked up for a while and being a defensive 1st guy won't likely be getting much of a raise.  Timmons is what he is.  The only wildcards salary wise are Kesselring and Byram himself but Byram keeps playing himself to lesser deals down the road.  That could change, and hopefully they do find a guy he works with very well (again, besidee Dahlin) but hasn't so far.

Edited 6 hours ago by Taro T

[Pimlach]

Byram is playing better than Power IMO. 

Byram is faster and can log a lot of minutes. Even though he is smaller than Power he is much more fiesty.  

The illusion of Owen Power is still there though.  

[GASabresIUFAN]

1 minute ago, Pimlach said:

Byram is playing better than Power IMO. 

Byram is faster and can log a lot of minutes. Even though he is smaller than Power he is much more fiesty.  

The illusion of Owen Power is still there though.  

I generally agree here, but I'd say to Power's credit there has been some steps forward this season.  He is a little more willing to take the body and has definitely shown an increased willingness to block shots.  I also like how Lindy is using his size and reach to clog passing lanes on the PK.  He is still terrible 5 on 5 defensively where he is more easily caught out of position than on the PK.  

As to why we shouldn't keep both, Samuelsson is playing his way to being Dahlin long-term partner.  However that leaves Power and Byram to anchor the 2nd and 3rd pairings.  I don't see the Sabres wanting to pay 8+ a season for a 3rd pairing D long-term.  

[Doohickie]

1 hour ago, French Collection said:

I like Byram better. Better skater, more physical and a better shooter.

He's just more poised.  Power is still trying to catch up to the game; Byram is up to speed.  Maybe Power gets there, but right now I like Byram better.

[French Collection]

1 hour ago, Taro T said:

IF they can find a partner that works for/with Byram (besides Dahlin), would expect LT getting an extension on him and trading Power when/if necessary would be the better play.  And maybe now Timmons can be that guy; they played very well together yesterday but were absolute trash in Detroit together; didn't pay that close attention to the matchups they were getting but 1 game being home and the other being on the road say that matchups could've been a huge factor in that.

If not, keep Power.  Byram's highs have been better than Power's, but his lows have been even worse.  And there's a bigger risk of getting bad Byram than getting bad Power IMHO because his play seems to be so partner dependent.

Though with the cap going up as much as it will soon, and with Byram showing he ISN'T a 1 or a 2, not completely convinced they can't keep them both.  Mrkta will be on an entry level contract for 3 years when he finally arrives; Muel is locked up for a while and being a defensive 1st guy won't likely be getting much of a raise.  Timmons is what he is.  The only wildcards salary wise are Kesselring and Byram himself but Byram keeps playing himself to lesser deals down the road.  That could change, and hopefully they do find a guy he works with very well (again, besidee Dahlin) but hasn't so far.

I hope we can establish a pecking order by the trade deadline because I feel one of these two has to go.

Power’s size and reach are an advantage that he doesn’t use enough. He has been a smidge more physical than in the past but needs a lot of work defensively. He needs to focus on this since he will not be relied upon for offense, except for some spot PP duty.
Byram requires an extension if Power is traded, so money will factor into the decision. If he is willing to stay as the 2nd pairing guy on a reasonable wage I would keep him.

Your Mrtka arrival makes me wonder who he would be a better fit for, Byram or Power. The idea of twin towers is appealing but I feel like Power could bring more in a trade than Byram.

I could get talked into keeping whichever one plays better with Timmins, to form a solid 2nd pairing, while trading the high priced 3rd pairing guy.

[xzy89c1]

Bo is a much better player. I don't think Power is tradeable with the contract.

Power is what he is. Tyler Myers part Deux. He will not become more physical or better defensively. 

19 minutes ago, French Collection said:

I hope we can establish a pecking order by the trade deadline because I feel one of these two has to go.

Power’s size and reach are an advantage that he doesn’t use enough. He has been a smidge more physical than in the past but needs a lot of work defensively. He needs to focus on this since he will not be relied upon for offense, except for some spot PP duty.
Byram requires an extension if Power is traded, so money will factor into the decision. If he is willing to stay as the 2nd pairing guy on a reasonable wage I would keep him.

Your Mrtka arrival makes me wonder who he would be a better fit for, Byram or Power. The idea of twin towers is appealing but I feel like Power could bring more in a trade than Byram.

I could get talked into keeping whichever one plays better with Timmins, to form a solid 2nd pairing, while trading the high priced 3rd pairing guy.

Timmins is a 3rd pairing guy. Nothing in his history nor his play this year changes that.

1 hour ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

I generally agree here, but I'd say to Power's credit there has been some steps forward this season.  He is a little more willing to take the body and has definitely shown an increased willingness to block shots.  I also like how Lindy is using his size and reach to clog passing lanes on the PK.  He is still terrible 5 on 5 defensively where he is more easily caught out of position than on the PK.  

As to why we shouldn't keep both, Samuelsson is playing his way to being Dahlin long-term partner.  However that leaves Power and Byram to anchor the 2nd and 3rd pairings.  I don't see the Sabres wanting to pay 8+ a season for a 3rd pairing D long-term.  

we have been watching different games. He is not physical even a little bit.

[French Collection]

2 minutes ago, xzy89c1 said:

Timmins is a 3rd pairing guy. Nothing in his history nor his play this year changes that.

True, but until Kesselring shows he can be 2nd pairing Timmins keeps the job.

Currently Byram and Power are 2nd pairing skill and pay but they can’t play together well and are not good on the right hand side.

[Slack_in_MA]

Go Bo. Power cowers.

[BuffalOhio]

Power is a giant cream puff.  Has he ever actually hit anyone?  I can't count how many times I've seen him not smoke someone when he had the chance.  He will never get any room on the ice if he doesn't use his very large frame as it was intended.  He's a big weakling who hits nobody and stands next to opponents when they score.  Not a mean bone in his giant body.  He consistently gets outworked in corners and has more giveaways that Publishers Clearing House.  He's gotta go.

[Eleven]

3 hours ago, Mr Peabody said:

If one must go, You trade whoever gives the best return. 

I don't think one must go, but you are correct.

[JohnC]

3 hours ago, Pimlach said:

Byram is playing better than Power IMO. 

Byram is faster and can log a lot of minutes. Even though he is smaller than Power he is much more fiesty.  

The illusion of Owen Power is still there though.  

If I had to make a choice between Power or Byram, I would definitely keep Power. There are interludes where Byram can be more dynamic offensively but there is an unevenness to his game that makes me prefer Power in the long run. 

In a few years, the Sabres may be facing cap tightness but with the cap going up I don't foresee it as a problem for the next few years. Dahlin is one of the best defensemen in the league. And it should be acknowledged that Samuelsson is playing as a good complementary partner in the first pairing. I'm happy with Power on the second pair and I'm more than pleased with the play of Timmons. When you add Byram and Kesserling to the mix it seems that a quality unit is emerging with even more upside expected from a relatively young unit. 

It's apparent that I'm more positive about Power than many here. The critics should be aware that many of them were adamant in their view that Samuelsson should be sent packing. Now I consider him to be one of our better and more consistent players on the blueline. My recommendation is to be patient and stay the course and let this unit grow together. 

 

[mjd1001]

I'm keeping Power. 

I think he gets criticized on this board way too much. Yeah, he makes mistakes, but there are other times where he gets blamed for a goal allowed and you watch the replay and find out he was the only player on the screen that actually did NOT make a mistake, yet the reflex action of most of the board is to criticize Power.

My opinion on Byram has not changed one bit this year based on what I have seen.  He's a very talented (raw skill) guy that just doesn't have those skill translate to the ice.  He's an average overall D-man, who looks good with Dahlin (as do most players) but when he is put into the #1 D-man role when Dahlin is not around he fails pretty badly.

I'm taking Power.

[...]

Keep neither. They're both weak in the defensive zone, especially for defenders. They'd make a great trade package with UPL and one of either Östlund or Rosen.

[JohnC]

7 minutes ago, mjd1001 said:

I'm keeping Power. 

I think he gets criticized on this board way too much. Yeah, he makes mistakes, but there are other times where he gets blamed for a goal allowed and you watch the replay and find out he was the only player on the screen that actually did NOT make a mistake, yet the reflex action of most of the board is to criticize Power.

My opinion on Byram has not changed one bit this year based on what I have seen.  He's a very talented (raw skill) guy that just doesn't have those skill translate to the ice.  He's an average overall D-man, who looks good with Dahlin (as do most players) but when he is put into the #1 D-man role when Dahlin is not around he fails pretty badly.

I'm taking Power.

You are joining the minority club. There is plenty of room for others who are mostly seeking other accommodations. 🍺

[Pimlach]

10 minutes ago, JohnC said:

If I had to make a choice between Power or Byram, I would definitely keep Power. There are interludes where Byram can be more dynamic offensively but there is an unevenness to his game that makes me prefer Power in the long run. 

In a few years, the Sabres may be facing cap tightness but with the cap going up I don't foresee it as a problem for the next few years. Dahlin is one of the best defensemen in the league. And it should be acknowledged that Samuelsson is playing as a good complementary partner in the first pairing. I'm happy with Power on the second pair and I'm more than pleased with the play of Timmons. When you add Byram and Kesserling to the mix it seems that a quality unit is emerging with even more upside expected from a relatively young unit. 

It's apparent that I'm more positive about Power than many here. The critics should be aware that many of them were adamant in their view that Samuelsson should be sent packing. Now I consider him to be one of our better and more consistent players on the blueline. My recommendation is to be patient and stay the course and let this unit grow together. 

 

I don't see a need to move either Byram or Power unless there is a great trade that adds a legit top 6 forward for one of them.   

We all want to see Power improve, his status as a first overall pick is part of the reason he gets a lot of criticism.  Don't forget that Byram was 4OA.  

[Stads]

I will be totally honest that I look for things to criticize that Power does. Of course we get the 1st overall pick in a weak draft and he is the consolation prize. He just needs to realize he is a large human that could be physically imposing if he wants. He's just too soft in my opinion (his shot included). I really want him to be a set it and forget it top 4 D for the future. I just like Byram's overall game better. That goal last night is something I don't see Power doing. Byram is just as imperfect, but he gives you more right now. I need this team good now and don't want to worry about who's better 5 years from now

[JohnC]

11 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

I don't see a need to move either Byram or Power unless there is a great trade that adds a legit top 6 forward for one of them.   

We all want to see Power improve, his status as a first overall pick is part of the reason he gets a lot of criticism.  Don't forget that Byram was 4OA.  

Both players were high draft picks with Power as the first in the draft. So I'm not really factoring in their respective draft position. From a player standpoint, I prefer simply Power. In the not-too-distant future, I see him developing into an anchor Sabre defenseman. As have been mentioned by others, right now the Sabres have the luxury of staying the course with both players. 

[Crusader1969]

Pretty sure the league will still value Power more than Byram 

I would certainly be on the phone to Vancouver (since Quinn is likely to walk once his contract is up) to see if there is interest 

I'd be asking how much they value Tuch as well