The Habs added some more forward depth on Tuesday, claiming Paul Byron off waivers from the Calgary Flames. Jacob de la Rose was assigned to St. John’s to make room for him on the roster.
Last season, Byron suited up in 57 games for the Flames, collecting six goals and thirteen assists while averaging 14:28 of ice time per game, including 1:18 per game shorthanded. It was his first full NHL season. He did not, however, suit up in the preseason due to various injuries including a sports hernia and a fractured toe. The 26 year old also had a pin removed from his wrist in the first week of September.
For his career, Byron has played a total of 138 career NHL games, tallying 17 goals and 31 assists. He also has 140 points (58-82-140) in 224 AHL contests. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 6th round (179th overall) in 2007 and was dealt to Calgary as part of the Robyn Regehr trade in 2011.
Despite his small stature (5’7), Byron plays a very aggressive and physical style. He recorded 101 hits for the Flames last year.
In other waiver news Tuesday, the IceCaps received some very good news as it was announced that both Mark Barberio and Dustin Tokarski passed through waivers unclaimed. They’ll be sent down to St. John’s where they will serve as the teams’ #1 blueliner and goalie respectively.
From a cap perspective, Byron is making $900,000 for the coming season, a nice raise from the $600,000 he earned in 2014-15. Click here for Montreal’s updated contract list.
Byron’s Stats:
