Canada defenseman Bowen Byram, selected by the Colorado Avalanche with the No. 4 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, said he believes he has what it takes to play in the NHL this season.
"I know I have things to work on, but I think if I go in, have a good training camp and work hard, do my best, I think there's a chance," the 18-year-old said.
Byram displayed his full skill set during the WJSS. He had two assists in two games (he was scratched from a 5-3 loss to the United States on Saturday) and displayed the same calm and poise he showed while dominating with Vancouver of the Western Hockey League last season. He led WHL defensemen with 26 goals, led WHL players in the postseason with 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 22 games and won the CHL Top Prospect Award.
"Great skater, but the hockey sense is a big part of it," Canada coach Dale Hunter said. "He moves the puck, he works the net, he makes the right play. Power play, he's very deceptive up top. He doesn't telegraph the puck, where it's going, and for penalty killers that's hard."
The Avalanche, who advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season but lost to the San Jose Sharks in seven games, likely will have defensemen Samuel Girard, 21, and Cale Makar, 20, playing key roles this season. Would they also want Byram in that group?
"I want to go there and make it tough on them to send me home, that's my goal," Byram said. "I've worked really hard these last couple weeks training. When I get home after this I'll be working hard as well. I'm really looking forward to going there and playing the best I can."