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Sports Thursday, July 2, 2026 | | |
| | | | | Good morning, Chicago. Bowen Byram signed a six-year, $75 million contract extension with the Blackhawks. The contract will kick for the 2027-28 season and would make him the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL in terms of average annual value. The $12.5 million AAV of
the new deal doubles that of the $6.25 million of his contract with the Buffalo Sabres. "They’ve shown a lot of faith in me, they’ve given up a lot and committed to me in many, many ways," Byram, 25, said. "Now the ball is in my court to perform, so I’m excited for that opportunity." Sabres’ Bowen Byram scores against the Canadiens during the second period of a second-round playoff
game on May 6, 2026, in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia/Getty Images) The Hawks acquired Byram in a June 23 trade with the Sabres after he signaled he wanted to be a No. 1 defenseman — an opportunity that was not present in Buffalo. The Hawks will fulfill the blueliner's wish,
likely aligning him with Alex Vlasic on the top pair. There will be eyes on Byram as he performs as a lead defenseman with the Hawks — and he's accustomed to the pressure. Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History | | | | Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman’s thumbs-down signal after hitting a home run during Tuesday’s game was an empty gesture that he declined to explain. | | | | | The Chicago Cubs’ 23 runs Wednesday were their most in a game in 31 years, while their eight home runs tied the franchise record. | | | | | Chicago White Sox starter Noah Schultz allowed three runs in 4 1/3 innings during his return from the IL on Wednesday in a 6-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. | | | | | Folarin Balogun leads the U.S. with three goals, but will miss the round of 16 match because of an automatic suspension for the red card. | | | | | Amid a hectic free agency window for the NBA, the Chicago Bulls are attempting to restructure their roster for a new era. Here’s the latest news in signings, trades and rumors around the team. | | | | | NHL free agency has begun. The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to add players and reshape their roster amid heightened pressure to win in 2026-27. | | | |
