This Avalanche defenseman is viewed as their most valuable trade piece at the deadline.
The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for what should be a busy trade deadline. This is because they are at the top of the Central Division and have Stanley Cup expectations.
The Avalanche are hoping to add a top-six center to their roster before the deadline passes, as they have a hole at the 2C spot. As a result of this, The Bleacher Report's Adam Gretz named defenseman Bowen Byram as the club's "top bargaining chip" in a potential move for a notable center.
Gretz noted that the Avalanche's strong defensive depth and their limited prospect pool might make a notable name like Byram expendable in a possible trade for a high-impact center. Rebuilders would certainly be interested in him, as he is a former first-round pick with high upside.
The idea of moving Byram certainly comes with some real risk, however. While injuries have slowed down his development a bit, he is still a notable part of their blue line. With that, he has the tools to become a top-pairing defenseman, and it would sting if he took that next step on a new club.
Byram, 22, has appeared in 42 games this season with the Avalanche, where he has six goals, 12 points, and a minus-3 rating.
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