Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram has dream debut after signing massive extension

The Chicago Blackhawks are back on the ice, having begun preseason play at the United Center.

This will be a season of hope for the Blackhawks, as they look to return to the postseason for the first time since 2019. It all starts with second-year head coach Jeff Blashill, as he’ll look to build off a promising first season.

The Blackhawks have added some talent to this young roster, bringing back Chicago legend Patrick Kane on a two-year deal.

Defensively, they added Bowen Byram, who was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres and signed to a six-year, $75 million contract right after. Byram is expected to start alongside Alex Vlasic.

He’s already put the hockey world on notice during his Blackhawks debut. Byram scored the game-winning goal in overtime and simultaneously completed a hat trick. Even in preseason, it’s a welcome sight if you’re a Blackhawks fan.

BOWEN BYRAM COMPLETES THE HAT TRICK IN OVERTIME pic.twitter.com/L1escuI0PQ

— NHL (@NHL) September 22, 2026

An impressive start for Byram, as he’s already won the faith of fans before the regular season has even started.

However, it wasn’t a perfect debut for the defensemen. Just 15-seconds into his debut, the Wild scored a goal. After Minnesota put the puck in the Blackhawks’ zone, Byram retrieved it and then promptly turned the puck over, resulting in the goal. It’s safe to say the pressure was on in his first start with Chicago.

“I was having some weird thoughts in my head after that,” Byram said. “I was like, ‘Ah, this is really how it’s going to start?”

Luckily, he bounced back and scored three of the four Blackhawks goals, including the game-winner. Young winger Nick Lardis praised Byram after the game.

“Scoring a hat trick as a defenseman isn’t easy. He’s going to be a special player for us this year, for sure. He’s going to be one of our leaders, and it was fun to watch out there.”

Bowen Byram has a chance to become a star for the Chicago Blackhawks

Bowen Byram is just 25-years old, and his massive extension could soon look like a bargain if he keeps up this play.

In his six-year career, Byram has scored 44 goals and racked up 108 assists. Over his past two seasons, he played in all 82 games, after having some injury issues early on in his career.

The Blackhawks gave up a lot for Byram. They traded the No. 4 overall pick and No. 45 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, plus defenseman Louis Crevier.  A king’s ransom for one player, but if you factor in his youth, the value is there. Still a gamble nonetheless.

Byram does add veteran leadership and experience, even at his young age. In 2022, he broke out with the Colorado Avalanche and was a massive part of them winning the Stanley Cup. He recorded nine assists in 20 playoff games.

A lot will need to go right if the Blackhawks want to return to glory once again, but it starts with players like Byram. Adding Kane will excite the fans, and the rise of Connor Bedard will be fun to watch.

More: Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard gets named captain for the 2026-27 season

The post Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram has dream debut after signing massive extension appeared first on ChiCitySports.