Avalanche's Byram returns vs. Penguins after 37-game absence

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram is in the lineup Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, head coach Jared Bednar confirmed, per The Denver Post's Mike Chambers.

Byram hasn't played since Jan. 10, missing 37 games in that span. He took an extended leave of absence for personal reasons. The 20-year-old has already missed significant time in his career with concussions.

"I know there's a lot of people thinking I shouldn't play or whatever, but to be quite honest, I feel lost not playing hockey," Byram said. "I'd rather be playing again and be at risk than be in the stands watching every game."

Byram was excellent early in the season, recording five goals and six assists in 18 games while averaging 19:34 of ice time per contest.

He was selected fourth overall by the Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Draft.