News: O'Bryne donned the blue and white for the first time on Monday night in a Leafs' 4-3 win over the Rangers. He scored a goal, finished plus-2 and had three each of shots and blocked shots.
Analysis: His ice time was only 15:47, but that's probably more about his need to learn new systems than anything else. He's not a big point getter, but he'll deliver in hits and PIMs if that's what your league counts.
News: The Leafs have acquired Ryan O'Byrne from Colorado for a fourth-round pick, reports TSN's Darren Dreger.
Analysis: It's not an exciting deal for a Leafs fanbase that was hoping for a goalie, but they got a fairly reliable stay-at-home defenseman. Ryan O'Byrne is big and physical at 6-foot-5, 234 pounds, and he'll add some needed toughness to the Toronto blue line.
Avs' O'Byrne A Healthy Scratch For Thursday's Game
News:Ryan O'Byrne will be a healthy scratch for Thursday's game against the Wild, Adrian Dater of the Denver Post reports.
Analysis:Ryan O'Byrne has played in 25 games this season, recording only four points. Greg Zanon will get the start replacing O'Byrne Thursday.
News:Ryan O'Byrne is no longer bothered by a knee injury that has kept him out the past two weeks, according to the Denver Post.
Analysis: That's the good news. The bad news is, even though he's available to play, he was a healthy scratch for Tuesday's 7-1 win over Minnesota as the Avs have a surplus of able-bodied defensemen right now. Given the team's current two-game winning streak, coach Joe Sacco is unlikely to make any changes to his lineup, meaning Ryan O'Byrne will likely continue to watch from the sidelines for the time being. He'll get back in there sooner or later - for now, look for another body for your fantasy blue line.
News:Ryan O'Byrne (knee) is expected to return to the lineup Thursday at Nashville, reports the Denver Post.
Analysis: With just six points in 61 games to date, Ryan O'Byrne will return to his regular role of chief stay-at-home defender for the Avs once he's healthy. For fantasy purposes, you shouldn't be relying on him outside of ultra-deep leagues.
News:Ryan O'Byrne (knee) will miss 2-to-3 weeks, Denver Post writer Adrian Dater reports.
Analysis:Ryan O'Byrne has just six points (one goal) in 61 games this year, so hopefully his absence doesn't change anything for your fantasy team.
News:Ryan O'Byrne skated a season-high 23:29 during Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Kings, and finished the game with a plus-3 rating.
Analysis: With just six points on the season, Ryan O'Byrne still doesn't score much, but he's one of just four Avs to have played all 61 games so far this year. Furthermore, he leads the team in blocked shots (116) and ranks second in hits (158), so his on-ice contributions can't be found simply by looking at a boxscore. That said, his fantasy value remains limited to deeper formats that count the aforementioned categories.
News:Ryan O'Byrne has yet to register a point in the month of January, a stretch of 11 games. His last point came on New Year's Eve - an assist against Anaheim.
Analysis: Lucky for Ryan O'Byrne, he isn't expected to score much. He's considered a big, physical, stay-at-home defender who takes care of business in his own zone. For those of you in ultra-deep leagues, he won't help you in traditional scoring categories, but he does rank well in blocked shots (94 - good for tops on the team) and hits (second with 127).
News:Ryan O'Byrne has seen his ice time increase to 20+ minutes per night in recent games, compared to 14-15 minutes at the start of the season.
Analysis:Ryan O'Byrne is playing a larger presence on the Avs' blue line lately, having been promoted to a top-four role alongside Kyle Quincey, Jan Hejda and Shane O'Brien. He still doesn't score much (1G, 5A in 41 games), but he is one of the few players on the team to boast a positive plus-minus rating (+1). Unfortunately for fantasy owners, O'Byrne doesn't boast much value outside of ultra-deep formats.
News: O'Byrne signed a two-year, $3.6 million deal with Colorado on Thursday, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.
Analysis: There's not a lot here for fantasy owners to get excited about given the lack of power-play time, but O'Byrne is just 26 and should provide a steady option in the Avs' third pairing for the next couple of seasons.
News: O'Byrne (face) will return to the lineup Tuesday when Colorado faces Minnesota after receiving over 100 stitches in his face, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: O'Byrne suffered a freak accident reminiscent of Clint Malarchuk and Richard Zednik when he was cut by the skate of Edmonton's Taylor Hall two weeks ago. O'Byrne has been skating and will be back with his teammates when they face Minnesota Tuesday.
News: O'Byrne skated on his own before Thursday's practice but is not expected to return to the lineup until next week, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: O'Byrne suffered a large facial cut from a skate blade against Edmonton on Feb. 23 and needed roughly 100 stitches to close the wound. He should be fine to re-insert into fantasy lineups starting next weeek.
News: O'Byrne will be out 7-to-10 days after suffering facial lacerations from a skate against Edmonton on Wednesday, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: O'Byrne's cut required nearly 100 stitches to close up. O'Byrne has been an ordinary defenseman since joining the Avs in November and has recorded just six assists and no goals on the year.
News: O'Byrne left Wednesday's loss to the Oilers after getting slashed on the face by a skate, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: O'Byrne had to get taken to a local hospital for treatment for his lacerations. "He suffered a bad cut on his face," Colorado coach Joe Sacco said. "They had to take him to get sewn up. Anytime a skate gets near the face, it's always dangerous and scary. I'll know more tomorrow ... I'm sure he'll be fine at the end of the day."
News: O'Byrne is expected to make his Avs debut Friday against Columbus, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: The Avs' blue line has been ravaged by injuries this year, so O'Byrne will likely be needed until a few of the walking wounded get the green light to return. He will add a physical presence to the lineup, but not enough scoring to consider him for fantasy purposes.
News: O'Byrne was traded to Colorado on Thursday for prospect Michael Bournival, Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: He wasn't getting minutes in Montreal, but that shouldn't be an issue with a fresh start in Colorado. O'Byrne will provide a physical presence on the Avs' blue line, but it's unlikely that he'll provide an overwhelming offensive presence and become an asset for yours.
News: O'Byrne did not dress for Wednesday's win over the visiting Islanders.
Analysis: O'Byrne doesn't offer much to the fantasy world, but apparently his NHL team feels the same way. Until he finds consistent ice time, there is little reason to own this kid even in deep dynasty leagues.
News: Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne is back from his personal leave that kept him out four games. However, he was a healthy scratch on Thursday against the Stars.
Analysis: It's good that Montreal gets back an extra body. Now, they just need to find a time to return O'Byrne to the active lineup. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when active.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne (personal) will return to action Thursday.
Analysis: O'Byrne is in the lineup for his defensive prowess and not his offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when active.
News: Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne (personal) did not return to the lineup on Saturday against the Devils. He has missed four games.
Analysis: Montreal has no timetable yet on when O'Byrne might return. Montreal is at home until Dec. 16, so they hope he is back by then. O'Byrne is in the lineup for his defensive prowess and not his offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when active.
News: Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne (personal) did not return to the lineup on Thursday against the Panthers. He has missed three games.
Analysis: O'Byrne is still away from the team tending to personal matters and Montreal has no timetable yet on when he might return. Montreal is at home until Dec. 16, so they hope he is back by then. O'Byrne is in the lineup for his defensive prowess and not his offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when active.
News: Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne missed a second straight game on Tuesday against the Capitals because of personal reasons.
Analysis: Personal matters some times take a few extra days, but Montreal does expect O'Byrne back shortly. The team returns from its one-game road trip on Thursday, so there is a good chance O'Byrne will play later in the week. O'Byrne is in the lineup for his defensive prowess and not his offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when active.
News: RDS reports that Canadiens LW Andrei Kostitsyn (lower body), LW Sergei Kostitsyn (lower body) and D Ryan O'Byrne (personal) will all miss Tuesday's game at Washington.
Analysis: While all three of these guys are important to the Canadiens, only Andrei Kostitsyn is worth worrying about in Fantasy play. He was on fire until this injury popped up, so many owners will be disappointed in having to bench him for Week 14 (Jan. 4-10). He could return later this week, but is just too risky to start. The other two remain non-factors in most Fantasy formats.
News: Montreal D Ryan O'Byrne missed Sunday's game against the Sabres for personal reasons.
Analysis: O'Byrne might miss another game or two, but this issue isn't expected to keep him out for a long period. However, O'Byrne has already missed a great deal of time in 2009-10 due to injury. He has been healthy over the last month and has remained in the Habs' defensive rotation. Still, he is in the lineup for his defensive prowess and not his offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when active.
News: Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne tallied an assist during Thursday's game against the Panthers. It was his first point in 24 games this season.
Analysis: O'Byrne has missed a great deal of time in 2009-10 due to injury, but he has been healthy over the last month and has remained in the Habs' defensive rotation. However, he is in the lineup for his defensive prowess and not his offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when healthy.
News: D Ryan O'Byrne returned for the Canadiens on Friday against the Capitals after missing 19 games with a lower body injury. He had no points in 16:16 of ice time and finished at even.
Analysis: O'Byrne had a strong training camp and played well in the first two games before getting hurt. He's a physical presence at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, but he is not expected to help a lot on offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when healthy.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne (knee) should be back in action Friday at Washington.
Analysis: O'Byrne had a strong training camp and played well in the first two games before getting hurt. He's a physical presence at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, but he is not expected to help a lot on offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when healthy.
News: Montreal D Ryan O'Byrne (knee) was not activated, as expected, for the Tuesday game against the Hurricanes. He is day to day and could return on Friday at Washington.
Analysis: O'Byrne had a strong training camp and played well in the first two games. He's a physical presence at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, but he is not expected to help a lot on offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Canadiens do hope to get some help on defense with the return of Ryan O'Byrne from a knee injury. O'Byrne has been out since Oct. 3, when he caught a rut in the ice in Buffalo and strained his knee. He has been practicing with the team since Nov. 11 and is hoping to get medical clearance for the Canadiens next game, Tuesday at the Bell Centre against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Analysis: O'Byrne had a strong training camp and played well in the first two games. He's a physical presence at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, but he is not expected to help a lot on offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when healthy.
News: The National Post reports that Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne, who suffered a knee injury in the first period of Saturday's game in Buffalo, is expected to be out for at least six weeks.
Analysis: O'Byrne was in line to see more ice time with the injury to Andrei Markov, but now he'll be in the stands alongside his blue-line mate. Ignore him in all Fantasy formats while he's out.
News: Montreal lost center Glen Metropolit and defenseman Ryan O'Byrne to injuries in the second period against the Sabres on Saturday. Metropolit was described as having an upper-body injury after he collided with Buffalo forward Patrick Kaleta. O'Byrne limped off after being hit in the foot with a shot. The Canadiens announced neither would return. Montreal is already minus defenseman Andrei Markov, who's expected to miss four months after slicing a tendon in his ankle in a 4-3 overtime win at Toronto on Thursday.
Analysis: O'Byrne can be a physical presence on the ice with the Canadiens and might start to see regular minutes Andrei Markov out of the picture for a while. O'Byrne's strengths are mostly on the defensive end and he remains just a low-end option when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne, coming off a strong training camp, was plus-1 during Thursday's opener against the Maple Leafs and showed that he can be a physical presence with four hits and four blocked shots.
Analysis: O'Byrne was only expected to be a sixth or seventh defenseman, but now might see regular minutes since Andrei Markov is out for several months with an ankle injury. We still feel O'Byrne's strengths are on defense, so he has limited Fantasy appeal.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Hal Gill checked out his new digs at the Canadiens' practice facility in suburban Brossard, Quebec, where he made an appearance at the team's camp for minor hockey players. The Canadiens are counting on the 6-foot-7 Gill to serve as a mentor for 6-foot-5 Ryan O'Byrne. The latter is a physical player but needs help with his positional play.
Analysis: While O'Byrne might have a world-class mentor in Gill, he still could find it difficult for consistent minutes. Right now, O'Byrne is more like the Canadiens' seventh defenseman. O'Byrne has played 70 games over the last two seasons for the Canadiens. He has one goal and 12 points. O'Byrne has the talent to play on the Habs' blue line, but just doesn't have the opportunity for full-time minutes. He is not a top offensive skater anyway, so it's still safe to ignore O'Byrne in Fantasy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the free-agent signing of Paul Mara gives the Canadiens another top-six defenseman and will impact some of the younger defensemen. He pushes Ryan O'Byrne out of the starting lineup and makes it difficult for rookies P.K. Subban and Yannick Weber to make the jump from Hamilton of the AHL.
Analysis: O'Byrne has played 70 games over the last two seasons for the Canadiens. He has one goal and 12 points. O'Byrne has the talent to play on the Habs' blue line, but just doesn't have the opportunity for full-time minutes. He is not a top offensive skater anyway, so it's still safe to ignore O'Byrne in Fantasy.
News: The Canadiens announced Monday that defenseman Ryan O’Byrne has been recalled from Hamilton of the AHL.
Analysis: O’Byrne, assigned to the Bulldogs on Feb. 16, has six points (one goal), a plus-9 rating and 35 penalty minutes in 18 games this season with Hamilton. The 6-foot-6, 228-pound blueliner has played in 29 games with the Canadiens this season. He collected three points (all assists) and 29 penalty minutes. He is just a lower-pairing defenseman at this time and has little to no Fantasy value.
News: Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne has been sent to the minors.
Analysis: O'Byrne has marginal offensive skills so has little to no Fantasy appeal at this time.
News: The Canadiens have recalled D Ryan O'Byrne from the AHL.
Analysis: O'Byrne had no goals and three assists in 22 games for the Canadiens before being sent down on Jan. 2. He has one goal and five assists in 13 games for Hamilton. He has marginal offensive skills so has little to no Fantasy appeal at this time.
News:The Sports Xchange reports one area where there could be improvement for Montreal over the second half is on defense. The Canadiens could use either a puck-moving defenseman to help on the power play or a bruiser like Mike Komisarek. There have been suggestions that Tomas Kaberle could be pried loose from the Toronto Maple Leafs but the price may be more than Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey is willing to pay. There might be a solution closer to home. Gainey has been keeping tabs on Ryan O'Byrne, who started the season as the No. 4 defenseman but was sent to Hamilton (AHL) January 2. O'Byrne is a strong, physical type but he played his way off the roster by making too many mistakes.
Analysis: O'Byrne had no goals and three assists in 22 games for the Canadiens before being hacked. He has no goals and four assists in 11 games for Hamilton. Montreal really wants to trust O'Byrne, but he has marginal offensive skills to begin with so he has little to no Fantasy appeal.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau has sent second-year NHLer Ryan O'Byrne to the press box. O'Byrne's defensive play was found lacking in a 3-1 win over Florida on Oct. 20.
Analysis: Carbonneau wants O'Byrne to use his size -- he's 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds -- more and also wants the youngster to move the puck out of the Canadiens' zone faster. His indecision led to three giveaways in the Florida and he was benched midway through the second period. O'Byrne should be back in for the Carolina game Tuesday because veteran Patrice Brisebois struggled against Anaheim, but he still remains a low-end Fantasy reserve until he posts consistent points.
News: Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne (face) was able to dress for Friday's opener against the Sabres. He didn't have a point in 20:49 of ice time and finished at even. He did spend two minutes in the penalty box for interference.
Analysis: O'Byrne is expected to see a bigger role after averaging a little more than 13 minutes last season. He's an outstanding skater for a big man but must do a better job of avoiding bad penalties. He remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne was struck in the face by a puck near the end of Monday's practice. He left the ice bleeding from the cut.
Analysis: The 6-foot-5 O'Byrne, a former standout at Cornell, joined the Canadiens midway through last season and played well. He's an outstanding skater for a big man but must do a better job of avoiding bad penalties. He averaged a little more than 13 minutes a game but will have a larger role in 2008-09. O'Byrne had one goal, six assists and a plus-7 rating in 33 games as a rookie in 2007-08. He also had 45 penalty minutes. Consider him a low-end flier in deeper Fantasy leagues heading into 2008-09.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Canadiens have a bona fide No. 1 pairing in Andrei Markov and the physical Mike Komisarek. The one problem will be finding ways to cut down on Markov's ice time because he has a tendency to wilt late in the season. Steady veteran Roman Hamrlik will join Ryan O'Byrne as the No. 2 pair.
Analysis: The 6-foot-5 O'Byrne, a former standout at Cornell, joined the Canadiens midway through last season and played well. He's an outstanding skater for a big man but must do a better job of avoiding bad penalties. He averaged a little more than 13 minutes a game but will have a larger role in 2008-09. O'Byrne had one goal, six assists and a plus-7 rating in 33 games as a rookie in 2007-08. He also had 45 penalty minutes. Consider him a low-end flier in deeper Fantasy leagues heading into 2008-09.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Canadiens and Ryan O'Byrne breathed sighs of relief after law enforcement officials in Florida dropped charges of felony theft against the defenseman. The charges stemmed from an incident in a Tampa night club in February. O'Byrne was found outside the club with a woman's purse and cell phone, which had been reported missing moments earlier. O'Byrne insisted that the incident was a misunderstanding and Florida state attorney Pam Bondi announced that the charges had been dropped on July 29. She said that O'Byrne appeared in court, read a letter of apology to the woman and agreed to perform community service in Canada.
Analysis: At the time of the incident, Canadiens management adopted a "boys will be boys" attitude and said none of the players would be disciplined by the club. But there have been suggestions that the team will keep a tighter rein on the players after such gatherings in the future. O'Byrne, who was called up by the Canadiens last December, signed a three-year, $2.875 million contract earlier this summer. He is expected to pair with veteran Roman Hamrlik as the team's No. 2 defensive pairing. O'Byrne had one goal, six assists and a plus-7 rating in 33 games as a rookie in 2007-08. He also had 45 penalty minutes while averaging 13:23 of ice time. Consider him a low-end flier in deeper Fantasy leagues heading into 2008-09.
News: The Canadiens signed D Ryan O'Byrne to a three-year deal Wednesday. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "Ryan acquired a great deal of NHL experience last season," Canadiens GM Bob Gainey told NHL.com. "He is part of our young core of defensemen and certainly has the potential of becoming a very good NHL player. He is big, intense and his physical play are important assets for our team."
Analysis: O'Byrne had one goal, six assists and a plus-7 rating in 33 games as a rookie in 2007-08. He also had 45 penalty minutes while averaging 13:23 of ice time. O'Byrne is likely to open the season as a lower-line defenseman for Montreal, but should only be owned in the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne, a rookie defenseman called up in early December, scored his first NHL goal Monday in a 6-4 loss to the San Jose Sharks.
Analysis: The fact it took O'Byrne 22 games to score his first NHL goal should tell you all you need to know about his Fantasy value at this time.
News: Canadiens GM Bob Gainey said the team will take no disciplinary action against Ryan O'Byrne or Tom Kostopoulos, who were both arrested in Tampa, according to the Montreal Gazette. He said the matter is now in the hands of the players and the police.
Analysis: Kostopoulos and O'Byrne should be ignored in all formats, regardless of their status.
News: Police say two Montreal Canadiens players have been arrested outside a Tampa nightclub. D Ryan O'Byrne has been accused of stealing a woman's purse, and RW Thomas Kostopoulos has been charged with resisting an officer, a Tampa police report says. O'Byrne has been charged with felony grand theft. He was released Monday after posting $2,000 bail. Kostopoulos faces a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence and was freed after posting $500 bail. The Canadiens are scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.
Analysis: Kostopoulos and O'Byrne might be suspended by their team for this incident, but neither has much Fantasy value. They should be ignored in all formats, regardless of their status.
News: The Montreal Canadiens assigned defenseman Ryan O’Byrne to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League on Thursday. The 23-year-old rookie had two assists in 11 games with the Canadiens this season and also delivered 20 hits and blocked 18 shots.
Analysis: O’Byrne was named to the 2008 Canadian AHL All-Star team but a hand injury he sustained on Dec. 28 against the Panthers in Florida prevented him from taking part in the AHL All-Star Game. O’Byrne will join the Bulldogs Friday in Hamilton. He has little to no Fantasy value when active and can be left on waivers.
News: Canadiens rookie D Ryan O'Byrne has had the cast on his broken thumb removed and returned to practice this week, according to the Canadian Press. He is now just awaiting medical clearance to return to the ice.
Analysis: The rookie out of Cornell has just two assists in 11 games this season. He was playing about 14 minutes per game when active. He has little to no Fantasy value when active and can be left on waivers.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne is out for at least six weeks because of a broken thumb. He was injured in a fight with Florida's Tanner Glass on Dec. 28.
Analysis: The rookie out of Cornell has just two assists in 11 games. He is playing about 14 minutes per game when active. He has little to no Fantasy value when active and can be left on Fantasy waivers while he is out of the lineup.
News: Maxim Lapierre and Ryan O'Byrne were assigned to Hamilton of the AHL on Monday.
Analysis: O'Byrne is a defensive prospect who is not worth a look in any Fantasy formats at this time.
