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 NHL Entry Draft by NY Rangers
- Playing In: Pro
Dane Byers
Prospect Grade: 6.5 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: Leslie Treff
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. Not as productive thus far during the 2007-08 season, Byers has not found chemistry as yet with his new linemates.
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 surprised everyone last season with his skill with the puck and ability to finish. He still takes a lot of penalties and must continue to improve his offensive production to become a regular NHL player.
Future
Byers is a very strong winger, who is always around the opposition's net. Last year he showed indications of becoming a skill player who has second line potential.
Stats
www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3
Profile Last Updated: April, 7th 2008




