The Colorado Avalanche are loaning defenceman Bowen Byram to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, for a conditioning stint, the team announced on Thursday.

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The news is a positive sign for the Avalanche and Byram, who appears to be nearing a return to play for the first time since Jan. 10.

The 2019 fourth-overall pick has suffered a series of head injuries over the last two seasons.

In 2021-22, his rookie year, Byram played in only 19 games due to severe concussion symptoms that kept him in and out of the lineup. While in concussion protocols, Byram also contracted COVID-19, exacerbating his symptoms — including vertigo.

The 20-year-old began this season in great form, and has five goals and six assists in 18 games so far, but suffered another concussion in November, keeping him out of the lineup for the rest of 2021 except for a brief two-game stint.

Byram then returned to the lineup on Jan. 1 for five games, before taking a personal leave from the Avalanche as he continued to deal with lingering concussion symptoms.

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