Bowen Byram and Samuel Girard have both been in fine form recently and could be instrumental in the team’s quest for the Stanley Cup. The Colorado Avalanche’s defense, once hailed as the finest in the NHL, has regained its collective strength.

Byram has recorded two points in each of the last three games, resembling the standout player from the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs rather than the one who struggled for much of this season. Jared Bednar attributed Byram’s resurgence to a meeting with assistant coach Nolan Pratt.

“We discussed my peak performances and analyzed my on-ice actions,” Byram stated after Monday’s practice. “We reviewed footage from games where I excelled and reflected on my performance thus far this season. I aimed to turn the page on that, and so far, it’s been successful.”

When Bowen Byram is performing at his peak, labeling him as merely the best No. 5 defenseman in the NHL does him a disservice and unjustly overlooks others in similar roles. While Cale Makar and Devon Toews rightfully receive praise as one of the league’s top pairings, the entire defensive lineup for the Colorado Avalanche demonstrates why they boast the best depth from one to six in the league.

Since returning from the NHL/NHLPA Players’ Assistance Program, Sam Girard has tallied 11 points in 20 games. His defensive partner, Josh Manson, has been consistently reliable throughout the season and is poised to set a career high in goals with just two more. Jack Johnson is enjoying his most productive offensive season since 2016-17, despite playing fewer minutes per game.

Despite facing injuries and Girard’s leave of absence, the Avalanche have showcased impressive depth and impact from their defensemen, even during recent struggles with five losses in the last seven games.

Head coach Jared Bednar highlighted the diverse strengths each defenseman brings to the team, while also noting their shared ability to contribute offensively and defend effectively with speed and physicality.

While Bednar acknowledged that it’s too early to focus on the upcoming March 8 trade deadline, he admitted there might be some apprehension leading up to it. The exceptional performances of Byram and Girard just before the deadline present a significant dilemma for the Avalanche, both in the short term and for the remainder of the season.