Dane Byers

History

Despite missing 24 games during the 2003-04 WHL season, and very producing very little offensive output in the 51 games in which he played for the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders, the New York Rangers saw a big hard-nosed winger in Dane Byers and selected him 48th overall at the 2004 NHL Draft. After a stellar 2004-05 junior post-season, in which Byers recorded 10 points in 17 games (including 2 power play goals), Byers returned to Prince Albert to have a very successful final season in 2005-06.

Byers joined the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2006, after his WHL season was completed. However, he only played 5 games before being released from his ATO contract. He then joined the team full-time in the fall of 2006, and had an excellent rookie season.

2007-08: Byers had an excellent sophomore professional season solidifying his status as the top power forward prospect in the organization. Although not as productive early in the season, Byers really finished strong, and played one game with the NHL club in February 2008.

 

Talent Analysis

Byers is an aggressive power forward, who handles the puck extremely well and scores most of his goals from no more than 3-4 feet outside the crease. Strong on the puck, Byers has shown none of the effort issues that seemed to plague him at times in junior. Expected to only be a depth guy, Byers has surprised everyone with his offensive upside.

 

Future

Byers is a very strong winger, who is always around the opposition's net.

Byers was dealt by the Edmonton Oilers to the Washington Capitals in April of 2013 in exchange for Garrett Stafford.