It's time to put the finishing touches on the 2010-2011 season for the Buffalo Sabres. Here is a complete report card of every single player that played any amount of time with the Sabres this season. The journey began with Luke Adam and conclude in a month with Mike Weber. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.
Introduction: Byron played in his first NHL game on January 23rd and took the team by storm in his first couple of games. Byron registered his first NHL point in that game against the Islanders and then registered his first NHL goal against the Ottawa Senators, his hometown team, two nights later. Byron was sent down after that game and was recalled for another six games from February 4th to February 18th. In that time, Byron didn't register another point and was a -1 in six games.
Byron played in 67 games for the AHL Portland Pirates and had 26 goals and 27 assists in those games. He ranked fourth on the team in goals and points in his second full season with the team.
Key Stat: While Byron was fourth on the Pirates in regular points, Byron leads the Pirates with 10 powerplay points and has three shorthanded goals which leads Portland as well.Thumbs Up: Byron's first two games in the NHL were a whirlwind for the young player. The assist came in the 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders and he was given the chance to play in his hometown in his second career NHL game against the Ottawa Senators. He had this to say before that game to the Buffalo News:
"I've got tons of supporters," said the Ottawa native who played junior hockey across the river in Gatineau, Quebec. "I've got lots of great friends and family, so they're all going to be out there for me. This kind of feels like my first game. I didn't have anyone out there on Long Island [on Sunday]. Everyone kind of waited for me to be here, so I'm a little nervous.
Thumbs Down: Byron's second call up to the team wasn't as highly publicized as the first call up was just due to the lack of production. In six games, Byron registered no points and was a -1 over that time. He had only three shots on goal in the six games and played over 11 minutes just once in the six games.
Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Paul Byron on his season according to the expectations you had for him. If he met them, give him a five or a six. If he eclipsed them, aim for a seven or beyond. If he failed to meet them, give him a lower number relating to how poorly he missed the target.
Topics of Discussion: Will Byron have a shot to make the Sabres roster next year or will he continue to play for the Portland Pirates?