This Avalanche defenseman is viewed as their most valuable trade piece at the deadline.
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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