Our partners at Quartexx Management have recently finalized a major deal — a new contract worth $6.25 million per year as been signed by one of the NHL’s most promising young defensemen, Bowen Byram. A Stanley Cup champion at just 23, Byram has already been through a lot in his career and now begins a new chapter with Buffalo. We spoke with two representatives from Quartexx — Darren Ferris and Ryan Barnes — about how the negotiations unfolded, why the contract was structured the way it was, and why this deal might become a benchmark for young talent on the market.
— $6.25 million AAV for a young defenseman — is this a bet on a star right now or more of an investment in a future cornerstone of the franchise? What was the club’s reasoning behind these numbers?
— This is a contract that pays Bowen at the very high end among defenseman who signed contracts that cover Restricted Free Agent Years only. This is a bet on what Bowen will be able to become by 2027 for his next contract, but also pays him well for his accomplishments to this point.
— Darren Ferris
— What was the key factor in the negotiations? Were there any other teams trying to step in before Bowen signed with Buffalo?
— Bowen is a high-end young player in this league and is a Stanley Cup champion. Lots of teams expressed interest, and we talked to many teams who were trying to trade for him, but a trade was not able to be worked out with Buffalo.
— Darren Ferris
— A two-year deal — is that the team being cautious, or is it a strategic move toward an even bigger long-term contract down the road?
— A two-year deal made the most sense for Bowen to continue to establish himself as a premier defenseman in the league. Also, without any contract extension (which can be signed no earlier than July 1, 2026), Bowen is being walked to Unrestricted Free Agency in the 2027 offseason at age 26, which is very rare.
— Darren Ferris
— Bowen has already been through a lot for his age, including injuries. How did he personally react to the deal? Did it feel like validation — or just the beginning?
— Bowen was very pleased to sign this contract and is fully healthy heading into next season. This contract validates the player that Bowen is, but Bowen and Quartexx feel like this is just the beginning and he has another level that he can reach.
— Darren Ferris
— In Russia, fans love a big-money contract. How was this deal perceived within the league and among agents — could this become a new benchmark for young talent on the market?
— This contract was very well-regarded. Bowen signed for more than a lot of the projections, and we feel this was more than he would have gotten at arbitration. By getting a great contract and selling 0 Unrestricted Free Agent years, we think other players may try to replicate this approach.
— Ryan Barnes
