Blackhawks add veterans Byram, Cole on defense

The Chicago Blackhawks bolstered their defense for the 2026-27 season by acquiring 25-year-old Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres on June 23 in exchange for two draft picks and a defenseman, with Byram subsequently signing a six-year contract beginning in 2027-28. The team also signed 37-year-old veteran defenseman Ian Cole to a one-year deal on July 1; Cole recorded 23 points in 82 games for the Utah Mammoth last season. The moves come as Chicago looks to rebuild after finishing 29-39-14 and missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025-26.