I mean you're not wrong. I'm am being pretty hypocritical. I just can't forgive this guy for his play in the playoffs. I rooted for this man to be more than the 8 minute a night player that Bednar wouldn't give chances to. Then he starts to finally succeed and he completely let me and this team down. I'm probably just being salty. Hopefully he proves me wrong next year, but right now I want nothing to do with him.
He had a bad series against Dallas, but he was good until then.
He just had too much responsibility in that Dallas series. Cole was and Zadorov were playing absolutely terrible, and EJ was hurt. To much on his shoulders to try and carry the PK and be the 3rd best puck mover on the Defense when Zadorov was playing with 1 hand, Cole sucks, and EJ hurt.
It was also the kids first time playing playoff hockey. Yes he is 25, but he's only recently jumped into the NHL. Thats part of the reason why I think he still has upside to his game. If he can get a touch better on the PK and around the front of the net in general, he should be a regular #3/4D in the league for a number of years.
The Avs hopefully just need 1 more year from him playing Top 4 minutes, after that Byram should be ready to play that role.