What happens with Byron?

[CaptainCrunch]

He'll get signed, he's done a great job, but he's not ever going to be in a Johnny Hockey role on this team. Besides that there's no guarantee that our shiny new players will be with the big team next year.

[dino7c]

I hope they keep him, you can't teach speed like that...besides the way he play he doesn't need a top 6 role. Great on the PK too

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

I think you're putting a bit too much weight on the letter thing. It worked wonders for Backlund but I don't see how owning an A will make a world of difference between what the vets bring to the locker room vs without it. A's just kind of a symbolic thing, that's probably why Glencross still has one.

Oh likely. But on the flip side I think peeps are putting way too much weight on the fact Monahan stayed at his place to start the year, I think they are looking too hard for our own mini Crosby / Lemieux story, and too much weight on the fact Hudler shot some hoops in his hockey equipment.

Bottom line, all accounts suggest this team is tight and they get along really well, and Hudler is a part of that. But I'm not sure we are seeing anything to suggest he's one of the straws that stirs the drink either.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

He'll get signed, he's done a great job, but he's not ever going to be in a Johnny Hockey role on this team. Besides that there's no guarantee that our shiny new players will be with the big team next year.

This. While Johnny Hockey has incredible skill, the transition from a College season of 40 games per year to a full NHL/AHL Schedule of 82 is going to make it really difficult for Johnny/Arnold/Agonstino to make the team full time. Guys like Knight and Hanowski all struggled around the 40-50 mark with the Heat because of the amount of games. Johnny/Arnold/Agonstino may get late season call ups as a taste of the big leagues, but I'd rather see them spend a full year in the minors to adjust to the change in lifestyle. Which is why I can see Byron getting a solid two year contract this year with the big club. I think he's at least earned a spot as a third line winger/fourth line guy.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Sign him. Solid 3rd liner like everyone is saying, and can even put up 2nd , maybe even 1st line minutes depending on the circumstances, such as injuries or demotions.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Re-sign him for sure. Byron is very fast, very tenacious and so much more versatile than I ever gave him credit for. I would NEVER have thought of him as a good third line player, but he is. He is a very good stop-gap to have on the team for injuries to move up and down the lineup. Kid has a lot of skill, a lot of speed, lots of hockey sense and a big heart - he can fill-in on any line, and be a regular contributor on the team.

Long-term, ideally he gets bumped off the team, or he takes another big step and forces the team to re-sign him again for a long contract. At this point, I think he not only deserves to be re-upped for 2 years, but the Flames can use him for the next 2 years.

I didn't like Byron much the first season, and thought he was a career AHL'er. I actually prefer he gets re-signed on the team ahead of Cammalleri (call me crazy).

[Enoch Root]

Byron is like a utility infielder - can do whatever you ask of him.

Maybe you don't want him as a starter every night, but it is great to have him on the bench for when you need him.

[Erick Estrada]

Byron plays bigger than his size and he's the perfect role model for Gaudreau to learn what it takes for a small man to excel against big men.

[Falcon 55]

Can't see why there is even a question of signing Byron-4th line-scratch-kept working to 3rd line- PP-PK-shown he can play at NHL- if I am Sven I would be hoping I get traded.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by Falcon 55

Can't see why there is even a question of signing Byron-4th line-scratch-kept working to 3rd line- PP-PK-shown he can play at NHL- if I am Sven I would be hoping I get traded.

What does Sven have to do with Byron?

[snipetype]

I love Byron's energy. He hits everything that moves. All the other players seem to rally around him. His offensive potential is starting to show too. I wasn't a big fan of his until recently.

[snipetype]

And yeah I say he's a bottom 6 energy guy. No effect on Gaudreau and bartschi who are more top 6 types.

[Heavy Jack]

A 10 lbs kid next time?

[Freeway]

Hudler DID wear a letter this year for a spell.
No guarantees Baertschi plays in Calgary next year.
Coaching staff LOVES Byron.