The issue with both players is that they are retainable for multiple years for an organization that has a difficult time attracting free agents. Byram is an RFA next summer, but has two more years until he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Cozens is in year two of a seven-year, $49.7 million contract extension.

The Sabres’ 3-2 shootout win over the Flames wasn’t pretty, but it extended their winning streak and improved their record to 7-7-1.