Why is Byram on the taxi squad?? Team Canada was the best team in the WJC with the best defence. He led that d group. I want to see him with Makar

He won't be with Makar this year, as that is what they acquired Toews for. He'll get his shot at some point (at least the 6 game trial).

As good as he is and likely will be, it's gonna be tough for him to displace one of the guys in the top six, and Timmins is currently next in line. They are taking their time with Byram.

Yep, Byram will play third-pairing minutes this year. They're not gonna throw him to the wolves, despite how damn good he looked at the WJCs. He should be playing in the NHL or AHL though, juniors won't do a thing for him.

Probably what they will roll with to start the season, I think Byram will be a scratch filling in when there is an injury, but I’d like to know what’s up with EJ or how long he will be “unfit to play”. Very exited for Wednesday night!

Yeah the vague unfit to play classification is annoying for nerds like us that dig into the finer points of the roster. Not that it was super transparent before, but it's even worse now.

EJ's injuries are getting a bit much. The team needs him and all, but they need him on the ice.

Yeah, every time EJ misses a couple games at a time with injury the thought of trading him seems like a better and better option every time. Please Seattle, take EJ.

all for adding extra goalie depth

Personally I don't want him to go to Seattle. I think he could be valuable in a more limited role for the remainder of his contract.

I do 100% want him to waive his NMC though so the team can protect Makar, Girard, and Toews without having to go the 8 skater route.

Agreed

Do we even know that he's injured? Could just as easily be COVID protocol or something else.

Isn't EJ supposed to be some kind of Covid related thing. Not sure exactly though.

Yeah you both raise good points. I guess I am assuming injury since everyone else came back already and he didn't.

I guess he could actually have it, which would lengthen the time he's out. Either way I hope he's okay and back soon (and waives his nmc, lol).