Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of Prince Albert Raiders
- Name: Dane Byers
- Position: LW
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 194 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-02-21
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Nipawin, Saskatchewan
- Acquired: 2nd round (48th overall), 2004
- Playing In: Pro
Dane Byers
Prospect Grade: 6.5 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Despite missing 24 games during the 2003-04 WHL season, and the very little offensive output in the 51 games in which he played for the WHL Prince Albert Raiders, the Rangers saw a big hard-nosed winger and selected him 48th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry 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.
The big winger 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. After showing that his 2006-07 production was not a fluke, Byers continued to mature, and was one of the AHL team leaders in points last season. His skill with the puck, ability to finish, and grittiness make Byers an excellent NHL prospect for the Rangers.
Future
Byers is a very strong winger, who is always around the opposition's net. He is expected to compete for an NHL roster spot this season, and if he does not stick after training camp, look for him to be a mid-season call-up.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: September, 1st 2009
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