Colorado Av’s fans are wondering if 6’1” and 195 pound
Bowan Byram will take the one open defensive spot being offered by Colorado for
the 2019-2020 season. The 4th overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft
played for the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League from 2016-2019.
Last year alone, he scored 71 points in only 67 games.
“Elite Prospects” said he is best when playing high
energy up-tempo hockey, not always something the AVs have been good at, tending
to control the game at a slower pace.
Many worry Byram’s small stature (in NHL terms)
may cause him to be less effective at checks at the net and controlling the
game along the boards. BSN Denver’s AJ Haefele says Byram will likely get his
nine-game trial, but will he be able to make it in the NHL in his first year?
On Day Three of training camp, Byram was on Team White
with Calle Rosen, a trade from Toronto late this year for among others, my
favorite player Alexander Kerfoot. A defenseman who is capable of scoring major
points in assists, Rosen could teach the young guy a thing or two.
Tom Hunter, editor of SB Nation’s Mile High Hockey
(@pucksdontlie) noted Byram may have been the reason for the early Vegas first
period goal during the Sept 17 pre-season game against the Golden Knights that
ended in a shutout for the rivals. He’s certainly no Makar, who made the leap
from UMASS to postseason play as if he’d been here the whole time.
As of this writing, Byram has stayed put despite many
newbies getting sent to the Colorado Eagles. Only time will tell!
UPDATE: As of September 26, Byram has been assigned to the Vancouver Giants.
UPDATE: As of September 26, Byram has been assigned to the Vancouver Giants.
By Allison Robenstein