Avalanche watching injury-prone prospect closely after another big hit

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Liam
October 6, 2023 (5:57 PM)

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Unfortunately for a talented young player, Bowen Byram has an extensive history with concussions. The fourth overall pick by the Avalanche in 2019 has already suffered such severe concussion symptoms that at one point, he questioned whether he could continue playing hockey. Now after taking a big hit into the boards in preseason, concern for the young player is high once again.

In overtime of their game last night against the Vegas Golden Knights, while skating the puck out from behind the net, Byram was drilled into the boards brutally by Vegas' Paul Cotter. Byram was slow get up and struggled to get back into play, and his efforts weren't enough. To add insult to injury, Cotter scored the overtime winner on the play.

According to reports from Peter Baugh of the Athletic, the Avalanche are keeping close tabs on Byram to ensure he's alright.

"Avs defenseman Bowen Byram felt OK postgame after taking this hit in the third period, I'm told. The team will keep tabs on how he's feeling in the coming days in case something pops up. Colorado is off tomorrow and Saturday."

Byram has missed a significant amount of games to this point in his three-season career, included in that taking a personal leave of absence to deal with lingering concussion symptoms. Hopefully, this latest incident won't be a setback for him continuing his stellar play on the ice.