Colorado Avalanche: Bo Byram Earning Praise at Summer Showcase

The Colorado Avalanche are being represented at the World Juniors Summer Showcase. Bo Byram is already earning praise.

Colorado Avalanche defensive prospect Bo Byram is making waves at the 2019 World Juniors Summer Showcase. Indeed, TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button states, “Bo Byram is the definition of a complete defenseman.”

Six of the team’s prospects are participating in the Showcase taking place in Plymouth, Michigan. USA Hockey is the host.

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Button went on to praise what he’s seeing of Byram at the Summer Showcase, stating there is “no weakness” in his game. In fact, he reckons Byram is strong in all three zones during play. Button adds, “He finds ways to contribute in all the areas of the game.”

While showcasing video, Button points out that Byram can break out plays “then start the play moving the other way.” What’s more, Craig thinks he has a great transition game, citing, “ understands when to jump into the attack and how to support it.”

In the offensive zone is where Button feels Byram’s skills shine:

"“Not only can he make those plays, through skates, under sticks with precision passing, he can also shoot the puck and gets himself into those very dangerous areas where he can take full advantage and put defenders on their heels.”"

Let’s watch a little Bo Byram before continuing:

Look at that coast-to-coast goal that starts at the :18 mark — man I love me a coast-to-coast goal from a defenseman!

Anyway, in continuing his analysis of the 18-year-old, Buttons compares him to famous Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith. Keith has two Olympic gold medals, four ALL Star appearances, two Norris Trophies, and a Conn Smythe. And, of course, three Stanley Cups.

All of a sudden, the Colorado Avalanche’s back end looks… almost more exciting than the front end. Heady stuff, Avs Nation.

Anyway, back to reality and Craig Button’s analysis. He considers that Byram has the same competitive edge as Keith, remarking on what impact Duncan made as he developed throughout his career.

Button concludes:

"“Bowen Byram has those same qualities and that same potential.”"

Boy, I like the sound of that.

Team USA and Team Canada played Tuesday. Canada took the match 4-1. They played Finland yesterday and, unfortunately, dropped the match 8-3.

Bo Byram has signed his professional entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche. He’s expected to participate in rookie camp, the Rookie Faceoff, training camp, and the preseason. He can play up to nine games without having to burn a year off his ELC. If the Avs go that route, they’ll return Byram to play for his WHL team, the Vancouver Giants.