[AC]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I think Byron is a great utility player. Good on the PK, and his versatility makes him valuable in his spot. I can't think of a better 13th forward at the moment. Though he could continue to develop and get better, he is more or less a finished product. You don't want a prospect sitting - a young up and coming prospect either plays in the AHL, or plays in the NHL - you don't have said prospect sitting outside of a couple of games now and then as a teaching tool.

Byron helps give this team very good speed, he is good on the PK, though he is undersized, he does play with some grit, and he can legitimately play on every line from the 1st down to the 4th as needed without detracting from the line. I mean, though you obviously don't want him to be a mainstay on the top line, he won't kill that line's offense as he can keep up and make plays. He can play on the 4th line as an energy player. He also puts out 100% all-out efforts on every shift.

As a guy who was really disappointed with Byron joining the Flames, and thinking he may never be an NHL'er, I really am glad that he is on the Flames and I think he makes a solid contribution to the team.

Remember when Baertschi was playing lazy without that hustle? I think Baertschi only looked good for a couple of games with the Flames last year, and it was with Byron (and Jooris - another non-stop motor). This type of play is infectious, and I am glad that he is signed to keep infecting the Flames.

Also, snakebitten or not - him not capitalizing on breakaways is a minor issue. Him putting himself into good positions by reading the play well and using his blazing speed to get a breakaway is huge for the Flames. Puts the other team on their heels.

Excellent post Calgary4LIfe, great summary!