After a road win in Toronto, the Canadiens are in Boston and play the Bruins Saturday night. But they stopped in Montreal on their way to Beantown Friday to introduce their newest player, claimed off waivers from the Flames this week.
The first thing you notice about Paul Byron is he is small – he's listed at 5’7”. The second thing you notice about Byron is he's fast.
“I’m just an all-round versatile player, bring a lot of speed, energy, I’m good on forecheck, I can play penalty kill. I’m just a guy who can play up and down the line up anywhere,” he said.
Byron was left on the waiver wire by the Flames because he had a list of injury problems last year, including needing surgery for a sports hernia. He was scooped up a day after it was announced Zack Kassian had entered the NHL's substance abuse program. A native of Ottawa, the 26-year-old says he’s beyond happy to be in Montreal.
“Little nervous, a lot of excitement. It’s so close to home, it’s such a storied franchise. To be a Montreal Canadien is like a dream come true for a Canadian boy so I’m excited to be here and so is my family,” he said.
Coach Michel Therrien wouldn't confirm when Byron will get his first start for the Habs, only saying that he will get a start on the road trip. However, goalie Mike Condon knows that is first game in the NHL will definitely be Sunday in Ottawa.
“I just want him to keep progressing. He had a really good [American Hockey League] year. He had a good camp. Just want to make sure he keeps giving us a chance to win, and this is what he has been doing so far,” Therrien said.
The season opener was the first time Condon has watched an NHL game from ice level, and while he said the play is a lot faster than it is in pre-season, the 25-year-old is excited for his first start.
“It’s going to be fun. I’m not going to think too much about it, just going to go out there and play,” he said.
