Is Paul Byron a NHL calibre player

[The Original FFIV]

Apologies if a similar thread already exists but I am puzzled as to why Byron is still on the roster especially given our newfound depth.

Blazing speed, no doubt and a high compete level. But zero finish and some really poor decisions lately. Attempted to throw the puck back to our D last night which resulted in a grade a scoring chance for SJ last night. Stating the obvious, he lacks NHL size which he tries to overcome by playing physical, which he does in spurts but not consistently.

Despite this obvious lack of finish and mediocre hockey iq, he continues to be a favorite of coach Hartley and was out to start to start ot last night. I get the fact his speed creates opportunities but rarely do those chances get capitalized on.

Some will say his speed is an asset on the pk but we have other players what can fill that role just as well. Raymond has speed to burn and while he is going through a tough time offensively, he had a body of work that exceeds Byron's.

This may all resolve itself once Jooris returns to the lineup and Byron is a healthy scratch. But would much rather see one of our young guys up in his slot so they can continue their development instead of it being filled by a marginal player who wouldn't be on a majority of NHL roster.

Are others seeing something in Byron that I'm not or are others feeling the same way?

[Resolute 14]

Yes.

Next question?

[DropIt]

he is absolutely aan NHL talent. Just because he doesnt score goals doesnt mean he cant hack it. He is an excellent 4th line energy type player...

I dont get it...the guy gets paid peanuts, has as many points as Josh Jooris who everyone loves and kills penalties. Whats the issue and why is the finishing ability of a 4th line player such an issue?

[Enoch Root]

Yes, Byron is an NHL player. His speed , defensive play, and penalty killing are all excellent.

The problem is that the Flames have had to ask more of him than he can deliver: regular top 9 duty.

He is the perfect 13th forward and should be used that way (and may well be going forward, now that some of the kids have shown that they are ready for top 9 duty).

He can play LW, C and RW. He can sub in effectively on any of the 4 lines. And he can PK. He is a very useful and versatile player. Just don't ask him to produce in a top 9 role on a nightly basis.

[FBI]

I'm ready to move on from Paul Byron.. Good guy and useful in some areas but just don't see him here long term.

[Flashpoint]

He provides exceptional value at league minimum. Bang for the buck is huge.

[Red Ice Player]

He is absolutely an NHL calibre player.

[GranteedEV]

NHL Player: Yes
NHL Forward: I'm not sure

[Finger Cookin]

13th forward might be a good role for him - a capable guy with the coach's trust who can step in on the fourth line if others are stuggling, or if others are forced to move up into larger roles due to injury.

13th forwards shouldn't be playing every game though. And I agree with FBI - good placeholder, but not part of the long term picture. He might land somewhere else next season if he's not back with us, but it's not a guarantee IMO.

He's been fighting it for a while, and when turnovers also start creeping into his game, it's not inconceivable to think both he and the team could benefit from sitting out a game or two.

[Redmonster]

Byron to me has been the model of consistency for this team for the better part of a year now. Yes he doesn't finish a whole lot. He wont ever be piling up assists either. He brings a ton of speed and energy to the 3/4 lines. He's relentless on the forecheck, and despite his size he is rarely outmatched along the boards. He adds a different look on those bottom 2 lines with his speed and tenacity.
He is an NHL calibre player IMO, and its not terribly difficult to see why Hartley likes him.

All that being said when Jooris is ready to go, Byron will be in tough for a spot on this team. Its a good problem to have.

[RyZ]

Maybe, barely. He's fringe for sure.

I think there is a pretty good chance that he would pass through waivers untouched and that doesn't speak well for the guy, but it's not like he cant keep up at the level. I hope he is let go in the offseason to make more permanent space for younger, better players.

[Plett25]

Changing the question after 10 people have responded is an Oiler move.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by Plett25

Changing the question after 10 people have responded is an Oiler move.

Damned if you do. Damned if you don't.

[CalgaryFan1988]

I honestly don't think he is.

He isn't talented enough to be on the top 6 and he isn't gritty enough to play on the 4th line. You could argue that he's a 3rd liner, but I think any decent team should have better options.

I think he should be a 13th forward.

[Plett25]

Originally Posted by The Original FFIV

Damned if you do. Damned if you don't.

You asked a clear question (Is Paul Byron an NHL player?) and got clear responses from 10 posters.

I don't think this qualifies as a "damned if you do, damned if you do not" situation.

Edit: Never mind... I see you changed it back to the original question. Thanks.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by Plett25

You asked a clear question (Is Paul Byron an NHL player?) and got clear responses from 10 posters.

I don't think this qualifies as a "damned if you do, damned if you do not" situation.

Could and should have phrased it better from the get go. Changed it back.

[Finger Cookin]

I will say that I think Byron is better suited for the small minute role than a prospect, just since we know what to expect from Byron (as said in the initial post and in subsequent replies: speed, high compete level, no finish, physical battles that aren't punishing.) I think it's better for almost any young pro's development to play more and in larger roles on the farm than in spot duty in the NHL.

But I get the frustration about wanting to see someone else in the lineup given Byron's recent play. Surely scratches can be earned, just like ice time and lineup rewards can be?

[CalgaryFan1988]

To me, he's a fringe NHLer. He's cleared waivers a couple times and sat without a contract, when he didn't get qualified.

I'd rather see him sit ala McGrattan

[Plett25]

Originally Posted by The Original FFIV

Could and should have phrased it better from the get go. Changed it back.

I'll give my self 2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct for the Oiler comment.

[Matty81]

Perfect 13th forward for a young team... No sense in having a young guy as 13th forward. You don't care if he's playing regularly because of his age and (probable) finished development and he's low cost. But he's not a difference maker in the nhl and never will be. Too small for an energy player, not great at keeping the puck, not enough skill for a top 6/9 role.