Should The Avalanche Trade Bowen Byram?
I think about this tweet a lot. What if this guy had the perfect trade the entire time? Should the Avalanche really trade Bowen Bryam?
Are we sure this trade shouldn’t happen? A year ago I wrote a column advocating an extension for Bowen Byram. I still believe that should be the right course of action if you can sign him long term before Byram really hits his peak. What if that’s not the right call? What if Byram will never finds a way to stay on the ice?
At this point, the injury stuff is concerning. Byram, 21, has only played ten games this season. The year prior, Byram suited up for 30 regular season outings. There is past concussion history. You hope that Bryam can figure out a way to stay on the ice but at this point, it’s fair to question if it’s ever going to happen.
Giving up on a talent like Byram wouldn’t be easy. The talent is off the charts and was taken fourth overall during the 2019 NHL Draft. There are times he looks like baby Cale Makar. Byram was unbelievable during Colorado’s Stanley Cup run. He also might be considered damaged goods and the Avalanche may never capture his full potential.
While Byram is still young, he carries a ton of value. If you’re a team like Vancouver looking for a trade partner for Bo Horvat, can you do better than adding the upside of Byram? Maybe Joe Sakic would prefer to trade Sam Girard and I would too. However, maybe it’s time to start talking about the possibility of moving Byram. Replacing Nazem Kadri needs to be the priority for the Avalanche or defending their Cup this postseason feels like a tall task.
Bowen Byram will be a restricted free agent after the 2022-23 NHL Season. Good luck figuring out that contract. It may seem crazy but for the right piece, don’t you have to consider moving Byram? Food for thought.
