So just asking... How would you rank Byram compared to the top defensemen of the last few drafts? Is it possible we're overrating him because he's the only game in town? How many #1 defensemen (not just first pairing but true #1) did you see in the last few drafts?
Terrific question.
2018 draft: Dahlin would still be #1 easily, though I would have Byram neck and neck with Quinton Hughes for #2D in the draft.
2017: I would have Byram just a hair above Heiskanen and Makar, but that''s because I am enamored with physicality from a defender. I think it takes opposing forwards off their game. But again, it's close.
2016: My very flawed top 3 D in this draft were (in flawed order) Sergachev, Fabbro, Juolevi. I also spent a huge amount of time lauding USHL prospects Adam Fox and Andrew Peeke. Now I think we can say pretty safely that the most talented D from this class is Charlie McAvoy. Either way, Byram would easily be #1 in 2016.
2015: My top 3 in this draft (and everyone else's) was Hanifin/Werenski/Provorov. I think now we would add Chabot to the conversation. I think I would have Byram just behind Hanifin at the same point in their development, and just ahead of Werenski/Provorov.
2014: Byram would have easily been the top prospect in this entire draft in my eyes, though some would still rank him behind Ekblad based on their size. I'm more of a speed/skill/compete-level guy, though and would give Byram the edge.
2013: I would have ranked Byram just behind Seth Jones in this draft, though appreciably ahead of my next three (Ristolainen/Nurse/Zadorov).
I think this gives you a good idea of where I would have Byram in my rankings. Again (as I keep repeating) I think it's important to weigh my opinions against other draft experts (most of whom are far more accomplished than myself). I have Byram ranked #3 overall behind only Hughes and Kakko.
No one else has him this highly ranked. A Corey Pronman or a Kyle Woodlief ranking might come out and not even list Byram as the 2019 draft's top defenseman. But I think history will prove me right on this one. Byram just has so much going for him and literally nothing going against him. Every aspect of his game can significantly be considered a strength. His compete level is off the charts and he seems to raise his game at the most crucial of moments.
