Maybe he can eventually play at a top pairing level let alone a 1D level at some point. It's just a ridiculous expectation from him especially considering most teams already their 1D who's better Bo and most have guys that they expect to be their 1D and have a much better chance at being an actual 1D.
I mean if he wants to go play in Chicago or San Jose he could maybe be their #1. But theres very few teams where he'd compete to be a 1D.
There's quite a few teams he at least would get the opportunity or see a path to it, and realistically I think that's all he wants. A place where he could develop into the a top pairing/top PP role. Right now the pecking order in Buffalo is clearly Dahlin > Powers/Byram now and in the future.
I was going to list them, but honestly half the teams in the league fit that mold with a bunch of them being contenders like Toronto, Florida, LA, Carolina, Calgary, Boston, etc. He may not be the #1 instantly there, but there's a path.