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Colorado Avalanche: 5 Questions for Training Camp

By Nadia Archuleta

CENTENNIAL, CO - NOVEMBER 27 - Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon practices with the team at the Family Sports Center on November 27, 2017 in Centennial, Colorado. Head coach Jared Bednar, is at right with whistle. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
CENTENNIAL, CO - NOVEMBER 27 - Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon practices with the team at the Family Sports Center on November 27, 2017 in Centennial, Colorado. Head coach Jared Bednar, is at right with whistle. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 21: Bowen Byram reacts after being selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

1. Will Bo Byram Translate Rookie Faceoff Success to Regular Training Camp?

Defenseman Bowen Byram was a darling of the rookie tournament games. He played two of the three Rookie Faceoff games, and words like “dominant” were attached to his name.

Colorado selected Byram with Ottawa’s fourth-overall pick. It wasn’t at all a risky move since he was the highest-rated defensive prospect in the 2019 NHL Draft, and it was thought he’d go at #3. Chicago chose Kirby Dach, and we got Bo.

Byram is a young 18 — he turned 18 just before camp. He’s still got some growing to do, much less development. And we all know defensemen take longer to grow into their game than forwards.

So, I’m not necessarily looking for Byram to permanently make the team. I would like to see if he can translate his Rookie Faceoff success into regular preseason success, though. In other words, I’d like to see how he stacks up against current NHLers.

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