Byram returns to Avs, travels to Pittsburgh
Avalanche defenseman Bo Byram was recalled from his conditioning stint with the AHL’S Colorado Eagles on Monday and traveled with the Avalanche to Pittsburgh. The Avs begin a three-game trip against the Penguins on Tuesday.
Byram, 20, hasn’t played an NHL game in nearly three months due to concussions symptoms. On Jan. 10 the rookie logged 20:20 in a 4-3 victory over the visiting Seattle Kraken. Byram, who suffered at least two concussions in 2021 and has twice been shut down because of head-related issues this season, was placed on personal leave on Jan. 12.
Byram has been practicing with the Avs for weeks while technically still on personal leave. He was on the previous road trip through Minnesota and Calgary before being sent to the Eagles to play in last weekend’s two-game set against the Ontario Reign. On Friday he saw his first game action since Jan. 10.
Following the 8-1 win over the Reign, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar heard from others that “Bo played really well.”
“We had some of our coaches watch the game, and video (on Saturday), and C-mac (Avs assistant general manager Chris Macfarland) watched that video, too,” Bednar said. “So (good) reports out of there.”
Byram was the first defenseman selected in the 2019 draft (fourth overall) and in 18 games early this season he produced 11 points (five goals) and averaged 19:34 in ice time.
League-leading Colorado has 13 remaining regular-season games. The club’s three-game trip includes stops at Winnipeg on Friday and Edmonton on Saturday.
Byram could become the first of a handful of players to return to the lineup before the playoffs. Defenseman Sam Girard is approaching the fourth week of his rehabilitation from a back injury. The team estimated he would miss a month and Girard resumed skating last week.
Forwards Gabe Landeskog (knee) and Nazem Kadri (upper body) are also expected back before the playoffs. An update on their status, as well as defenseman Ryan Murray (arm), will be made after Tuesday’s morning skate at PPG Paints Arena.
The Avs did not practice Monday before boarding their flight to Pittsburgh.