NHL
The Colorado Avalanche Expectations and Lofty Goals
I’d like to preface this 31 in 31 article by giving a big shout out to my fellow TSJ101Sports NHL writer, Jared Pettus. He is the usual author for the offseason reviews here at TSJ101Sports’ NHL department. Because I am an avid Colorado Avalanche fan and I live 15 miles from “The Can”, I was afforded an opportunity to put in my two cents about my favorite team. Check out Jared’s work, he does a great job and provides insightful details in his articles, here. On to the task at hand of the Colorado Avalanches playoff expectations and lofty goals for the 2018-19 season.
Have the Avalanche Gotten Better?
The Colorado Avalanche went from one of the worst teams in the NHL two years ago, to losing a game 7 in the opening round of the playoffs last season. Some might even argue that a healthy Semyon Varlamov would have been the difference between losing that game 7 and moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
On Nov. 5th, the Avalanche altered their course forever. Trading Matt Duchene to the Ottawa Senators ended his controversy with the team. Trade details here. In the process, the team attained Ottawa’s 2019 first round and third round pick. It’s looking more and more likely that the former may end up being a lottery pick. The Avalanche also flexed their financial flexibility in the offseason. According to Capfriendly.com, they have the 4th most cap space of any NHL team. Adding defensive minded players Ian Cole and Matt Calvert will help keep the pucks out of the crease, a major flaw of the 2017-18 team. The biggest splash of the offseason is undoubtedly the trade and subsequent contract extension of Philipp Grubauer.
Additions
On June 22nd the Colorado Avalanche made an A+ deal in my mind by trading for Philipp Grubauer. The team believes he will be the goaltender of the future, tendering him to a 3 year, $10 million contract that will have him wearing maroon and blue until at least 2021. The addition of Grubauer will pay dividends down the road for the Avs. Last season, Grubauer was arguably the best goalie in the league with the best save percentage (.937) from Nov. 24th to the end of the season. The key will be keeping pucks away from in front of him.
The man in charge of that task, is stay-at home defender, Ian Cole. On July 1st, the 29 year old was signed to a 3 year, $12.75 million contract. In 67 games last season, Cole registered five goals and 15 assists, so he is a hardly an offensive threat. Hardly an offensive threat, his role will be to solidify the third second or third line defensive pairing for the Avs and kill penalties.
Speaking of killing penalties, LW Matt Calvert was also signed on the first day of free agency. In 69 games last season with Columbus, He added nine goals and 15 assists on the third line. Expect him to slide into the third line where he will be relied upon to shut down opponents, kill penalties and provide a veteran presence.
Subtractions
Blake Comeau signed with the Dallas Stars for 3 years and $7.2 million on July 1st. The 32-year old did the “dirty work” for the Avs last season by skating on the third line and killing penalties. He tallied 13 goals and 21 helpers.
Nail Yakupov’s short tenure in Colorado came to a shrieking halt being left off the playoff roster. It was no surprise he decided to play in Russia next season. Skating in 58 contests last season, he scored nine goals and seven assists with his TOI of 10:50.
Backup goalies Jonathan Bernier and Andrew Hammond are not apart of the expectations and lofty goals this team aspires to. Bernier will be net minding in Detroit next year, while the Hamburglar has yet to sign with a team. Grubauer is hands down a better option than Bernier in my opinion.
Two 25-year old skaters that will not be on the team in the upcoming season are Duncan Siemans and Rocco Grimaldi. Siemens is a borderline bottom 6 defender that wasn’t offered a contract during free agency. In 16 games, he added one goal and one assist. Grimaldi tallied one goal and two assists in six contests last season.
Where the Colorado Avalanche Stand
On paper, the Colorado Avalanche had a net loss of 11. This is mainly due to losing scoring threats Comeau and Yakupov. In reality, the Avalanche have shored up their blue line and penalty killing dilemma, which plagued them last season. If vulcanized rubber can be kept away from Semyon Varlomov and Philipp Grubauer, both goalies stand great chances of splitting playing time and staying healthy.
If the top line can keep scoring at high levels and the defense can quit giving up easy scoring chances, this team has legitimate shot to repeat their playoff run. Expectations are through the roof and the team has set lofty goals for themselves that make them one of the top teams in the Central division heading into the next season. I personally cannot wait for October and hockey to return to “The Can.”
Social Media
Follow Sean on Twitter: @O303C
Photo Credit
Photo courtesy of AEG Presents
