NHL Rumors: Latest on Avalanche Defenseman's Apparent Trade Request

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram is one of the best prospects in the league when it comes to blueliners. He's battled some scary concussion issues and his untimely injuries have resulted in some self reflection and crucial conversations. It comes as a bit of a surprise that Byram's name was recentlyfloating around as someone who wanted a fresh start with another franchise. A rumor that according to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman was false.

Friedman commented on Byram's situation recently and had this to scribe about the request:

There was a lot flying around last week about Colorado’s Bowen Byram. First and foremost, wish him the best in his concussion recovery. That’s really all that matters. There were rumours that he wanted a fresh start, the opportunity to resume somewhere else once he is ready. That was denied.

Byram is a former fourth overall draft pick and is still only 20 years old. He's appeared in 18 games this season, recording 11 points and at times has been dominant on the ice. If he ends up getting back to full health, the Avs are going to be absolutely stacked on the back end with the likes of Cale Makar and Samuel Girard already being in the fold as young impact players.

In 37 career NHL games, Byram has tallied 11 points. He's a smooth skater who sees the ice well and can jump into the play at a blink of an eye. We wish him nothing but health and happiness and hope the concussion battles are a thing of the past. Byram last appeared in an NHL game on January 10th.