20-goal man Paul Byron proving to be a steal for Canadiens
The waiver wire doesn't always produce a rich harvest, but Paul Byron is certainly proving to be a considerable exception.
The Montreal Canadiens center scored his 20th goal of the season in Sunday's win over Ottawa, making general manager Marc Bergevin look like a genius for scooping him off waivers and locking him up to a contract extension.
Paul Byron, claimed off waivers early last season, signed to a 3-yr deal worth $1.167-M a yr, scored his 20th goal tonight. Salary cap gold
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) March 20, 2017
Byron was waived by the Calgary Flames prior to the 2015-16 regular season in order to carry three goalies on the roster, namely Jonas Hiller, Joni Ortio, and Karri Ramo, none of whom are still around.
Montreal was the only team to put in a claim, and were pleased enough with his contributions to sign him to a three-year extension last February.
Drafted 179th overall by Buffalo in 2007, Byron was used sparingly by the Flames during his time in Calgary, but his persistence - spurred by the advice of an AHL coach - is now paying dividends.
Asked Paul Byron if there was a pt he thought a day like this (20 NHL goals) may never come. What an answer! '14 summer after breaking wrist pic.twitter.com/HVCawrANgZ
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 20, 2017
No one would have asked, "Where would the Canadiens be without Paul Byron?" back in the preseason, but his 20 goals rank second only to Max Pacioretty, and he has 17 assists to boot.
Deployed both on the power play and penalty kill, Byron is indeed proving to be an unsung hero in Montreal.