On the latest episode of Blackhawks Live, WGN Radio’s Charlie Roumeliotis and Jack Heinrich break down the Blackhawks’ trade for Bowen Byram from the Buffalo Sabres and his six-year contract extension with a $12.5 million cap hit. They discuss why the Blackhawks are investing in Byram as their No. 1 defenseman and the price they paid to acquire him.

Charlie and Jack also share their thoughts on the Blackhawks’ free-agent additions, including depth forward Cole Smith and veteran two-time Stanley Cup champion defenseman Ian Cole. They also discuss the Andre Burakovsky trade and who could end up skating alongside Connor Bedard.

Finally, Charlie and Jack recap the Blackhawks’ 2026 NHL Draft class, highlighted by second-round selections Xavier Villeneuve, an electrifying offensive defenseman, and Ryan Roobroeck, a power forward with plenty of upside.