Bowen Byram has made it clear that when it comes to defensemen at the 2019 draft nobody compares to him. He’s been top 5 in WHL scoring for defensemen and is second in scoring for his Vancouver Giants at over a point per game. Byram has been nothing less than a dominant force in the WHL, making the Giants a consistently dangerous squad. With a player that can control a game like Byram, it’s clear he won’t be sitting long at the 2019 draft. With many wondering what Byram could be in the NHL, we can look over to Toronto to see a player with a similar style and ceiling to Byram.
Morgan Rielly has long been a staple of the Leafs blue line. He’s served as their number one defenseman but is more widely considered a high-end number two defensemen if he‘s on any other cup contending blue line. Rielly, in his draft year, put on quite the performance in the WHL, Byram’s current league. With the Moose Jaw Warriors, he was kept to only 18 games due to an ACL tear but scored 18 points. In that short time scouts got a good look at the dynamic Vancouver native. Rielly was selected 5th overall by Toronto as the third defenseman behind Ryan Murray and Griffin Reinhart.
Going into the draft in Vancouver we’d expect to see Byram be taken in a similar range. Some have him slid into the third spot behind Hughes and Kakko, but most have him slotted in around 4-6. Almost all agree Byram is this draft’s top defensemen. While he is in a similar range as Rielly we also expect him to have a similar ceiling. Some see him as a future number one defensemen on a cup contender, but most see him as a very good number two guy. It’s expected he will play a huge role in his team’s success. The other assumption is that he should be NHL ready in only a year or less. Some believe he’s got a shot at stepping into an NHL role immediately. With his size (6’1”) and physical maturity, he wouldn’t have a problem surviving the NHL game. Generally, Byram is a high ceiling and a higher floor player. Byram is not only a safe pick for any team but a pick with big potential. A true low risk, high reward player.
In terms of the on-ice game, Rielly and Byram share many similarities. Each play a high paced offensive game. They love to jump up in the rush or get down low in the offensive zone to open passing or shooting lanes. The two have a high focus on offense and contribute as much as any forward. They are great passers that can thread the needle or play keep away from defenders. Making slot passes is a strength of both and leads to a lot of goals for their respective teams.
Both are great playmakers, but Byram has real special goal scoring abilities. He often takes the puck to the slot or sets up lower in the offensive zone to score. He’s got a great shot which has allowed him to gain the WHL lead for most goals by a defenseman. His goal scoring has also proved to be more than clutch as he holds the record for most WHL OT goals at 6 this season.
The duo also possesses high-end speed, and especially Byram with his explosive stops and start. With both players, it immediately stands out how well each can skate with the puck. I’d consider both elite puck carriers with lateral movement and edges that are rarely combatted by defenders. It’s hard to get a handle on either of them as they dodge checks on the rush. Their skating and edgework also allow each to walk the blue line very well and avoid wingers as they put pressure on them at the line. Escaping pressure is nothing to either of these guys.
Other shared aspects of the two’s games include top-of-their-class offensive instincts, great puck skills, elusive ability with the puck, and a role as a power play quarterback.
Defensively, I’d say the Byram has the upper hand. He plays a powerful defensive game with physical capabilities and high intensity. He shuts down lanes and his good with his stick. While his focus is on offensive play, he doesn’t get caught lacking on the defensive end.
Overall, Byram is widely seen as the top defensemen up for this year’s draft. He could slide into an NHL role next year. Eventually, he might be a high-end number two defensemen with probable number one upside. Any team drafting Byram should look forward to their own Morgan Rielly with the potential to be more.
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