Bo Byram’s best medical advice could be to take the rest of the season off. But if he can return to the Avalanche lineup — a big if — the salary-cap-strapped club could reap big benefits in a potential indirect trade.
One thing is for certain: The road to Byram’s recovery from multiple concussions and setbacks won’t likely be a straight line. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar clearly stated that about his standout rookie defenseman on Wednesday and again on Friday — following Byram’s third skate in four days.
But if Byram, 20, can return to the lineup with confidence and both the player and team believe he is “cured” before the March 21 trade deadline, the Avs would have the means to free up cap space to acquire a pricey pending unrestricted free agent for the stretch run and playoffs.