The Colorado Avalanche defense has really come together this season, living up to the preseason hype as the best in the NHL. Bo Byram, especially, has been on fire lately, with two points in each of the past three games. He's resembling the player who dazzled during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, showing a marked improvement from his struggles earlier in the season. Byram attributed this turnaround to a meeting with assistant coach Nolan Pratt, where they analyzed his game and discussed his performance this year.
When Byram is at his best, he's far more than just a top No. 5 defenseman in the league. Alongside stars like Cale Makar and Devon Toews, the entire defensive lineup shines. Sam Girard, since his return from the NHL/NHLPA Players' Assistance Program, has been outstanding, tallying 11 points in 20 games. Josh Manson has also been a steady presence on the blue line all season, close to setting a career high in goals. Even Jack Johnson is having his best offensive season in years.
Despite facing injuries and absences, the Avs' defensive depth has been impressive. Coach Bednar highlighted their ability to move the puck and create offense, making them a tough unit to play against. Looking ahead to the trade deadline, Bednar admitted there could be some anxiety, especially with players like Byram and Girard performing so well. The team, however, is tight on cap space, making it challenging to add without subtracting from the current roster.
Girard and Byram are both young talents with team-friendly contracts, making them attractive trade assets. However, moving them could weaken the Avs' defensive lineup. While players like Sam Malinski and Caleb Jones have shown promise, losing either Byram or Girard would impact the team's depth significantly. Bednar emphasized that the defensive corps is a key reason for the team's success and is an advantage they rely on nightly.
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