Paul Byron's next goal is to become the second diminutive Ottawa-raised centre to play for the Sabres.
Even if it's not in a goal-scoring role.
While the Bruins were rewarding former Gatineau Olympiques star David Krejci for his career season with a three-year, $11.25-million (all terms US) extension yesterday, the Olympiques' leading scorer in 2008-09 was insisting he had no immediate plans for the signing bonus he received when inking a three-year entry-level deal with the Sabres late last week.
Byron, a 5-foot-9 1/2, 155-pounder, is more concerned with doing what he has to do to join Ottawa's Derek Roy in Buffalo as soon as possible.
"We're both small guys who try to use our speed, quickness and skills to get the job done," said Byron, who's hoping to add a little more size and strength in workouts with Ottawa fitness guru Tony Greco this summer. "I'm sure (Roy) had to deal with size (deficiencies) to get to where he is. He's definitely one of the many guys I look up to for inspiration."
Byron's 99 points (in 64 games) left him fourth in league scoring, but his goals total did drop to 33 from the 37 (in 52 games) he had in 2007-08.
