30 in 30: Colorado Avalanche
The only way is up for the Colorado Avalanche in their attempt to banish the memories of a 15th placed finish in the West, after realignment that won’t even be possible this time around.
During the offseason more changes have taken place in the front office than on the ice, nostalgia affording the duo of Joe Sakic as Vice President of Hockey Operations and Patrick Roy as Head Coach the opportunity to take the club forward. Many have been quick to point to the lack of coaching success for Hall of Fame players, but Roy does at least bring strong pedigree from his time with the Quebec Remparts rather than jumping straight in. Although the fanbase is excited again it’d be a remarkable turnaround for them to return the Avs to the playoffs immediately though, this season has to be seen as more of a transition in Denver.
Notable Ins: Nathan MacKinnon, Alex Tanguay, Cory Sarich, Patrick Roy
Notable Outs: Shane O’Brien, David Jones, Milan Hejduk, Greg Zanon, Chuck Kobasew
A massive bonus of the low finish and subsequent draft lottery win was the chance to select Nathan MacKinnon with the first overall pick. There’s been little question of him making an instant step up to the majors and a third line center role has been earmarked. Seeing Milan Hejduk depart quietly after a great career was disappointing, a great trade to bring Alex Tanguay back does fill a void in experience and is probably an upgrade too.
MacKinnon’s name is added to a overloaded list of centers; Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny, Ryan O’Reilly and John Mitchell. From prior reports and training camp evidence it’s O’Reilly who looks to be the one shifted out to the wing and joining Matt Duchene’s top line, you would figure he and Stastny are competing to stay as they are both in final contract years. Duchene and PA Parenteau were the Avalanche’s best players by a long way last year, the former being richly rewarded for a lot of hard work. Gabe Landeskog will be another major factor if he can bounce back from a tough first campaign as captain individually and collectively.
Of course drafting MacKinnon meant passing on Seth Jones, a bold move when their blueline group so clearly needs upgrading. Erik Johnson is close to home proof why you shouldn’t select a defender with the first pick, I’m not sure he’d be the premier D-man for any other team in the NHL. If his partner Ryan Wilson can stay healthy for the season Youngsters Tyson Barrie and Stefan Elliott have been endorsed by the lack of movement, they are two talented offensive defencemen ready to make a real impact.
In net Semyon Varlamov faces a tough examination of whether he really can be the Avs’ franchise goalie, being held to Roy’s high standards could be a blessing or a curse. At times he can stand on his head to win a game, Varlamov’s chief issue to me is giving up a soft goal and allowing it to snowball. The Russian undoubtedly needs more help from his defence though, get him confident and he still could be that top goaltender. Jean-Sebastien Giguere will provide the backup, his public criticism of the team as the season petered out showed the former Conn Smythe’s importance to the locker room.
Roy is likely to be one of the most visible head coaches in the league, thanks to his own nature and the fact he’s been brought in to reinvigorate a franchise. Even as a fan predicting a playoff finish would be far too optimistic, they are simply not solid enough at the back. Good times are coming though at Pepsi Center, we may see brief flashes of the offensive powerhouse I believe this team will become.
George’s Prediction: 8th in Central Division