NEWS: Bowen Byram Exits Game With Upper-Body Injury; Not Head Related (UPDATED)

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram has exited the game against the Anaheim Ducks due to an upper body injury.

The young defenseman took a big hit in the second period from Ducks forward Max Jones in the offensive zone, and during the hit, both of their heads collided. Byram did take two more shifts in the second period, but did not return for the third period. The Avalanche ruled him out for the rest of the game.

Here’s a clip of the hit. I believe the refs reviewed it and determined it to be clean, as no penalty was called.

Max Jones leans into Bowen Byram 💪💥 pic.twitter.com/C6ccUPurn5

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 6, 2023

For what it’s worth, I don’t have a huge issue with the hit. The head-on-head contact is unfortunate, and it actually knocked both players out, as Jones left the game with an upper body injury himself. Given Byram’s concussion history, there’s reason to be concerned, but until we get more information, it’s difficult to say.

(UPDATED)

After the game, Jared Bednar discussed Byram’s injury a little more, and may have put some fans at ease, as he stated the injury is not head related, but just upper body. You never know what symptoms may develop over the coming days, but that’s good news for now.