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The Blazing Byron, by Andrew Saadalla |
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Arguably the most pleasant surprise of the 2015-2016 season goes by the name of Paul Byron, a 27-year-old 5’8” speedy winger who managed to pot 11 goals for the Montreal Canadiens in 62 games. Byron was acquired from waivers when the Calgary Flames opted to place him there and he turned out to be a penalty-killing machine, scoring 3 goals shorthanded (9th overall in the NHL) and 5 points while down a man.
The Ottawa, ON native could potentially score 15 goals next season should he find himself playing with regular line mates in a set role. Versatile enough to play on both wings, Byron established a good chemistry with Brian Flynn and Torrey Mitchell early on. While that trio wasn’t one to light up the score sheet, it certainly fared well in a defensive role as long as it remained together. Otherwise, Byron did not need any specific player to allow him the freedom to constantly be a scoring threat if given enough time and space. Through his first 40 games, he managed 11 points and 8 goals.
While many deem him a fourth-liner, I would have no issues watching Byron play on a third line with a slightly more offensive role. That’s where I believe he belongs. The problem is that the likely center of that line would be 5’7” David Desharnais, and that makes for a trio of small forwards should someone like 5’10” Sven Andrighetto join their forces. Daniel Carr’s role becomes questionable (more on him soon) as does Andrew Shaw’s and that would leave very little room for Charles Hudon to break out and join the Habs next season.
Fans will get to enjoy Byron’s blinding acceleration and constant breakaways for three more seasons as he was inked to a 3-year, $3.5 million US contract last February. Once again, finding a lasting role for him will be a challenge for head coach Michel Therrien, knowing that general manager Marc Bergevin has brought in more than a fair share of bottom-six forwards.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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