# Bowen Byram's confidence helps Blackhawks

> Blackhawks' new defenseman Bowen Byram shows swagger to handle pressure.
- Title: Bowen Byram's confidence helps Blackhawks · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Blackhawks' new defenseman Bowen Byram shows swagger to handle pressure. Bowen Byram's innate confidence allows him to play his style and handle pressure…
- Keywords: bowen byram, blackhawks, nfl, defenseman, preseason, confidence, pressure, swag, hockey, nhl, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2026/09/22/blackhawks-bowen-byram-swagger-confidence-preseason
- Published: 2026-09-22T19:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bowen byram, blackhawks, nfl, defenseman, preseason, confidence, pressure, swag, hockey, nhl, news, local
## Preseason debut
Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram impressed in his preseason debut Monday.
## Contract pressure
Byram faces six-year $75 million contract pressure to justify team assets.
## Seth Jones comparison
Former No. 1 defenseman Seth Jones faced similar pressure but never fully recovered.
## Innate confidence
Byram possesses unshakable self-belief to be a stellar No. 1 defenseman.
## Alex Vlasic quote
Alex Vlasic says Byram has quiet confidence to move past mistakes and make plays.

> There’s a swagger about him that he carries with himself
## Preseason stats
Byram recorded three goals and five shots in over 23 minutes of ice time.
## Offensive play
Byram showed accurate shooting, vision and puck protection in his goals.
## Defensive agility
Byram uses quickness to get back into position after small mistakes.
## First goal
Byram scored first goal with accurate shooting from right circle.
## Second goal
Byram scored second goal with vision and passing that led to lucky bounce.
## Third goal
Byram scored third goal with puck protection while moving at speed.
## Early mistake
Byram turned puck over in first 15 seconds after losing man and allowing goal.
## Mental resilience
Byram bounced back from early mistake with focus on quick play and defense.
## Team impact
Byram's confidence could rub off on young teammates like Sam Rinzel.
## Key takeaway

Bowen Byram's innate confidence allows him to play his style and handle pressure with the Blackhawks.