Paul Byron

Last updated

Paul Byron
Paul Byron.png
Byron with the Calgary Flames in 2011
Born (1989-04-27) April 27, 1989 (age 35)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 160 lb (73 kg; 11 st 6 lb)
Position Left wing
Shot Left
Played for Buffalo Sabres
Calgary Flames
Montreal Canadiens
NHL draft 179th overall, 2007
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 20092022

James Paul Byron (born April 27, 1989) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played a total of 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the sixth round, 179th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Byron also played for the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens.

Contents

Playing career

Amateur

A native of Ottawa, Byron first played junior B hockey with the Ottawa West Golden Knights in 2005–06. [1] He moved up to major-junior the following season with the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Following a 44-point campaign in 2006–07, the Buffalo Sabres chose to select him with their sixth round pick, 179th overall, at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. [2] He remained in junior in 2007–08 where he improved to 68 points in 52 games for the Olympiques. Byron scored 32 points in 19 playoff games – second only to teammate Claude Giroux's 51 points – to help lead Gatineau to the President's Cup championship and a berth in the 2008 Memorial Cup. [3] He played a third and final season in the QMJHL in 2008–09 where he scored 99 points in 64 games and was named a second-team all-star. [1]

Professional

Buffalo Sabres (2009–11)

Byron signed a three-year contract with the Sabres on June 1, 2009, only a few hours before Buffalo would have lost his rights. [4] He was assigned to the Sabres's top minor league affiliate, the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League (AHL) for the 2009–10 season. He played the entire season in Portland, scoring 33 points in 57 games, and spent the majority of the 2010–11 season there as well, improving to 53 points in 67 games. [1] Byron earned a recall to the NHL during the season and made his NHL debut on January 22, 2011. He scored his first NHL point, an assist on a Tyler Myers goal, in a 5–3 victory over the New York Islanders. [5] He scored his first goal two nights later in his hometown against the Ottawa Senators. [6]

Calgary Flames (2011–15)

A draft-day trade on June 25, 2011, sent Byron, along with Chris Butler, to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Robyn Regehr, Aleš Kotalík and a draft pick. [7] He spent the majority of the season with the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL, but earned several recalls to Calgary. On one such recall, he scored on his first career penalty shot in a 5–1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. [8] Byron's 2012–13 season was marred by injury as he missed over a month of play due to a shoulder injury. [9] [10] He spent the majority of the season with Abbotsford, where he recorded 15 points in 38 games. [11] He was recalled to Calgary in mid February, but suffered a broken hand early in his first game of the season with the Flames. [9] He played an additional three games following his recovery and recorded an assist. [10]

After beginning the 2013–14 season in Abbotsford, the five-foot-nine Byron earned a regular spot in the Flames line-up by playing an aggressive style that impressed head coach Bob Hartley: "The size of the heart is much more important than the physical size. Here's a guy who plays like he's six-foot-two, six-foot-three. He's not avoiding traffic." [12]

Montreal Canadiens and retirement (2015–2023)

Following the 2014–15 season, Byron became a restricted free agent under the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Calgary Flames made him a qualifying offer to retain his NHL rights, and on July 5, 2015, Byron filed for Salary Arbitration. [13] On the eve of the beginning of the 2015–16 season, Byron was acquired off waivers from the Flames by the Montreal Canadiens on October 6, 2015. [14] The decision was motivated in part by a fan-made YouTube video showing numerous examples of Byron missing breakaway shots, which showcased his speed to Montreal's scouting staff. [15] On February 23, 2016, Byron signed a three-year contract with the Canadiens worth a total of 3.5 million dollars. [16] During the 2016-17 season, Byron recorded career-highs in goals with 22, assists with 21 and total points with 43, finishing second on the Montreal Canadiens in goals.

On September 22, 2018, Byron signed a four-year, 13.6 million-dollar contract extension with the Canadiens lasting until the 2022–23 season, [17] after having yet another 20-goal season with a struggling Canadiens team in the 2017–18 season. On October 1, after Shea Weber was named captain of the Canadiens, Byron was named an alternate captain, along with Brendan Gallagher. [18]

Byron began to play through hip pain for a number of years, culminating in having to take nine games off during the pandemic-shortened 2020–21 season. He had been placed on waivers three times during that season in what the team insisted was strictly a measure to save money under the salary cap. [19] Byron received a cortisone injection to allow him to return for the final two games of the regular season and the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. [20] In the first game of the Canadiens' round one series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Byron scored the game-winning goal on a breakaway where he was tripped by opposing defenseman Rasmus Sandin but made the shot from his knees. The Montreal Gazette observed that "the goal will be on highlight reels for years to come." [19] The Canadiens lost the next three games of the series and were on the brink of elimination, by which point Byron's hip pain had returned, and he willed himself to play what "could be your last game of the year. You just got to grind through it, push through it, give everything you have." However, the Canadiens would go on to win the next three games to take the series, beginning a deep run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals. Byron played the entire time, saying that "the more the adrenaline kind of hit, the more you got into playoffs, it was like the pain and everything just started to disappear." The Canadiens lost in the Finals to the Tampa Bay Lightning, four games to one. [20]

Following the Finals, Byron opted to undergo left hip surgery, and missed the first half of the 2021–22 season. [20] After returning to the lineup amidst a historically poor season for the Canadiens, Byron played his 500th game in the NHL on February 17, 2022, scoring a goal in the team's 3–2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. [21] He played twenty-five games, being sidelined three times with other injuries, to his frustration. [22] These health problems continued into the 2022–23 season, with his left hip again preventing him from skating. [23] On October 11, the Canadiens placed Byron on long-term injured reserve. [24] He did not play in the final year of his contract, continuing to suffer from hip pain that affected his daily life, including his ability to play with his children. [25] Byron used the time to observe team operations, and said that he hoped "to be part of the team moving forward and transition into a different role." [26]

On September 20, 2023, Byron officially announced his retirement, transitioning into a player development role in the Canadiens' front office. [27] [28]

Personal life

Byron and his wife Sarah Leblond have a daughter and son together. [12]

Career statistics

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2005–06 Ottawa West Golden Knights EOJHL 3320234333738114
2006–07 Gatineau Olympiques QMJHL 682123444655162
2007–08 Gatineau OlympiquesQMJHL52373168251921113212
2008–09 Gatineau OlympiquesQMJHL643366993210214164
2009–10 Portland Pirates AHL 571419335940000
2010–11 Portland PiratesAHL6726275352122576
2010–11 Buffalo Sabres NHL 81122
2011–12 Abbotsford Heat AHL39714214081342
2011–12 Calgary Flames NHL223252
2012–13 Abbotsford HeatAHL38691538
2012–13 Calgary FlamesNHL40112
2013–14 Abbotsford HeatAHL23513184
2013–14 Calgary FlamesNHL477142127
2014–15 Calgary FlamesNHL57613198
2015–16 Montreal Canadiens NHL621171811
2016–17 Montreal CanadiensNHL812221432961010
2017–18 Montreal CanadiensNHL8220153523
2018–19 Montreal CanadiensNHL5615163117
2019–20 Montreal CanadiensNHL2946104101346
2020–21 Montreal CanadiensNHL4651116122233610
2021–22 Montreal CanadiensNHL274372
NHL totals5219811020813938561116

Awards and honours

AwardYear
QMJHL
Second All-Star Team 2009 [29]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Bégin</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1978)

Joseph Denis Stéphan Bégin ; born June 14, 1978) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in 13 National Hockey League (NHL) seasons. He was a second-round selection of the Calgary Flames, 40th overall, in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, and played with the Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators in his NHL career. After missing a full season due to injury, Bégin made a successful comeback by rejoining the Flames in 2012–13 before another injury forced his retirement.

The 1988–89 NHL season was the 72nd season of the National Hockey League. The Calgary Flames won an all-Canadian Stanley Cup Finals against the Montreal Canadiens four games to two. This remains the last time two Canadian teams faced each other for the Stanley Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Petry</span> American ice hockey player (born 1987)

Jeffrey Petry is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Brad Miller is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played 82 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, and Calgary Flames between 1988 and 1993. The rest of his career, which lasted from 1988 to 2000, was spent in the minor leagues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Torrey Mitchell</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1985)

Torrey Charles Mitchell is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He was selected in the fourth round, 126th overall, by the San Jose Sharks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Mitchell also previously played for the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League (NHL), as well as Lausanne HC of the National League (NL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marco Scandella</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Marco Scandella is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played major junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the Val d'Or Foreurs prior to being selected by the Minnesota Wild in the second-round, 55th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. As well as the Wild, Scandella formerly played with the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Davidson</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1991)

Brandon Davidson is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing with Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He has previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers, who selected him in the sixth-round, 162nd overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicolas Deslauriers</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1991)

Nicolas Deslauriers is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the third round, 84th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. His play has been described as a mix between an enforcer and a grinder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joel Armia</span> Finnish ice hockey player (born 1993)

Joel Armia is a Finnish professional ice hockey winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Armia has also previously played professionally for Porin Ässät of the SM-liiga as well as the Winnipeg Jets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Toffoli</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1992)

Tyler Toffoli is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 47th overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2014. Toffoli has also previously played for the Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Vancouver Canucks

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phillip Danault</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1993)

Phillip Danault is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 26th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Danault has also previously played for the Montreal Canadiens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sean Monahan</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1994)

Sean Monahan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Byron Froese</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1991)

Byron Froese is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 119th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and has previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, and Calgary Flames.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brett Kulak</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Brett Kulak is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 105th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and has also previously played for the Montreal Canadiens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Hudon</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1994)

Charles Simard-Hudon is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was selected in the fifth round, 122nd overall, by the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Hudon has also previously played for the Colorado Avalanche.

Gustav Lindström is a Swedish ice hockey defenceman for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 38th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Lindström has also previously played for the Montreal Canadiens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cole Caufield</span> American ice hockey player (born 2001)

Cole Caufield is an American professional ice hockey winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 15th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaiden Guhle</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 2002)

Kaiden Guhle is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

Michael Pezzetta is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the sixth round, 160th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Filip Mešár is a Slovak junior ice hockey forward for the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) as a prospect to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 26th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Paul Byron profile". Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  2. Hanlon, Peter; Kelso, Sean; Ahrens, Janette; Buer, Greg (2011). 2011–12 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Flames Hockey Club. p. 116.
  3. Holland, Brad (May 13, 2008). "Champions crowned throughout Junior A hockey". National Hockey League. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  4. "Buffalo Sabres sign draft pick Paul Byron to entry-level deal". The Hockey News. June 1, 2009. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  5. Harrington, Mike (January 23, 2011). "Byron gets right to the point in debut". Buffalo News. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  6. "NHL capsules". National Hockey League. January 25, 2011. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  7. Lebrun, Pierre (June 25, 2011). "Flames trade Robyn Regehr". ESPN. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  8. Johnson, George (February 15, 2012). "Byron cool as ice on Calgary penalty shot". Calgary Herald. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  9. 1 2 Sportak, Randy (February 13, 2013). "Tough break for Flames' Byron". Calgary Sun. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  10. 1 2 Hanlon, Peter; Kelso, Sean; Thomas, Rob, eds. (2013). 2013–14 Calgary Flames Media Guide. Calgary Hockey Club. p. 53.
  11. "Paul Byron player card". National Hockey League. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  12. 1 2 Cruickshank, Scott (December 23, 2013). "Byron grows into role with Flames". Calgary Herald. p. D1.
  13. "Deadline for player filed salary arbitration today". flamesnation.ca. July 5, 2015. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
  14. "Canadiens claim forward Paul Byron off waivers from Flames". National Hockey League . October 6, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  15. Engels, Eric (November 14, 2016). "Canadiens hot start fuelled by savvy buy-low moves - Sportsnet.ca". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  16. "Canadiens agree to terms on a three-year contract extension with forward Paul Byron". canadiens.com. February 23, 2016.
  17. "Canadiens sign Paul Byron to 4-year contract extension". sportsnet.ca. September 23, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  18. Share-Cohen, Brandon (October 1, 2018). "Weber Named Captain of Canadiens". thehockeywriters.com. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  19. 1 2 Cowan, Stu (March 22, 2021). "Game-winning goal by Canadiens' Paul Byron vs. Leafs one to remember". Montreal Gazette . Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  20. 1 2 3 Cowan, Stu (January 29, 2022). "Canadiens' Paul Byron looking forward to playing without pain". Montreal Gazette . Retrieved January 30, 2022.
  21. Basu, Arpon (February 18, 2022). "The reintroduction of joy into the Canadiens' hockey lives is important and should not be discounted". The Athletic . Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  22. Cowan, Stu (April 21, 2022). "Byron, Price gain strength from family amid trying season". Montreal Gazette . Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  23. Godin, Marc Antoine (October 5, 2022). "For Canadiens' Paul Byron, LTIR is becoming a real possibility". The Athletic . Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  24. "Canadiens recall Arber Xhekaj, place Paul Byron on long-term injured reserve". Sportsnet . October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  25. Greig, Kelly (April 14, 2023). "Habs looks to the future as disappointing season comes to an end". CTV News . Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  26. Cowan, Stu (April 19, 2023). "Canadiens' Paul Byron has probably played his last NHL game". Montreal Gazette . Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  27. "Paul Byron announces retirement". Montreal Canadiens. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023 via NHL.com.
  28. Byron, Paul (September 20, 2023). "A letter from Paul Byron". Montreal Canadiens via NHL.com.
  29. National Hockey League (2010). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2011. Triumph Books. p. 284. ISBN   978-1-60078-422-4.