The Vancouver Canucks would have loved the chance to select Vancouver Giants rearguard Bowen Byram at the NHL Entry Draft. Of course, the odds of that happening were always very small.

Byram was a virtual lock to go in the top five and the Colorado Avalanche delivered on that, picking him fourth overall at the Vancouver draft.

Avalanche general manager and Burnaby native Joe Sakic received a loud ovation from the crowd that only got louder when he announced the selection of Cranbrook native Byram.

The Giants defenceman had an insane 71 points in 67 games in the regular season and followed it up with 26 points in 22 playoff games as he took his team to Game 7 of the WHL final.

It’s a great pick for the Avalanche, who are building a young team with some exceptional talent throughout the lineup.

It also builds some intrigue around the Avalanche potentially trading another standout defenceman, Tyson Barrie.

Barrie has been linked to the Canucks leading up to the draft. The Victoria native’s contract expires next year and the Avalanche have long been rumoured to be shopping him. 

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