The Avs' Underwhelming Off-Season So Far

by Joe @ MHH on Jul 3, 2008 6:54 AM MDT in News Comment 97 comments

I'm not exactly sure what we were expecting from the Avalanche this summer, but it had to be more than this. Though the free agent pool was relatively thin overall, there were still attractive names like Hossa and Rolston and Campbell and Conklin. Even if the Avs were only interested in finding new pests, Jarkko Ruttu was up for grabs. Instead they settled for Darcy Tucker and Andrew Raycroft, two players bought out by the Maple Leafs. Oh, and the Swedish mystery man Per Ledin.

Ho hum.

At least the Avs were able to retain the services of Wojtek Wolski, John-Michael Liles and Adam Foote, and likely Marek Svatos and the two Codys as well. But overall? Kind of dull. They lost Jeff Finger, Kurt Sauer, Jose Theodore and Andrew Brunette. Not exactly the cream of the crop, but three of those guys were valuable depth players and I'm unsure the Avs can sufficiently fill the gaps.

What if Jordan Leopold gets hurt again? Let me rephrase that. What happens when Jordan Leopold gets hurt again? Who will fill in? Kyle Cumiskey? Nigel Williams? For a team that couldn't find enough spots in the press box to put all their extra defensemen last year, they sure look kind of thin now.

The Raycroft signing makes sense, because Peter Budaj will need an experienced backup and Raycroft is not horrible. He's not great, but he's not going to be the starter anyway. If he does end up being great, that's fine, too. But he's not expected to carry the team. That, finally, is up to Budaj, who will finally get the opportunity to prove to the doubters that he's a legitimate number one goalie. Or to make me look like a jackass for carrying his water. Either way, the team is on his patient shoulders.

What concerns me a bit is the changing "feel" of the Avalanche. Once a dynasty built on speed and finesse, it appears the new focus is on physical agitation and harassment. Darcy Tucker, Ian Laperriere, Scott Parker, Codys McCormick and McLeod, and wild card Per Ledin round out what could be the most annoying squad of pests since the Ducks won the Cup in 2006-07. While the offense still boasts names like Stastny, Wolski, Hejduk and Svatos, it's just not the dominant factor on the team anymore.

And this after GM Francois Giguere sent former coach Joel Quenneville on his way because his coaching style didn't reflect the fast-and-furious offensive tradition of Avalanche hockey. So, uh, what happened to that?

Joe Sakic still hasn't signed anything, and Peter Forsberg is as aloof as always. Other names like Sundin, Jagr, Straka, Naslund and Demitra (I think their average age is 46) are still left without contracts. Obviously, the free agency period isn't over, and the Avs still have plenty of money to work with. But I have a feeling they're about finished.

Even if Sakic returns, is this a team with any reasonable chance to win the Cup? Don't answer that. It was rhetorical.

0 recs | Comment 97 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I disagree.

I for one am perfectly fine with the moves that this team has made this off season, so far. We’re a grittier, tougher team – built for longer runs into the playoffs. Not the flashy, one dimensional team that we’ve had for awhile.

We’ve still got the ability to score, even without Sakic, in people like Svatos, Wolski, SMYTH, Stastny, Hejduk, and Tucker can put the puck in the net at times too. If Sakic comes back, then thats two strong scoring lines.

Then we’ve now got people who can rough the opposing teams up a little bit.

Our defense will improve. With Foote back there for a whole year, he’ll quarterback things. And I think, hope more like, that Hannan just had an off year last year. Liles coming back is a good thing, because he’s developed that defense quite a bit, but still has a bit of that offensive touch.

AND we’re way under the cap. So next year, when we need to sign Stastny to a huge life-long extension, we can do so.

by AaronHawn on Jul 3, 2008 8:24 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

The offense last year under-performed. Whether or not that was due to injuries or bad coaching or whatever, I’m not certain. But they didn’t score like they should have. The moves this off-season have not added anything substantial to the offensive roster at all, and if anything have subtracted from it. Darcy Tucker is no Andrew Brunette. And Sakic might not come back. And Forsberg is as good as done.

Sure, the team is tougher and grittier, but their offense is weaker now than last season, potentially.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe @ MHH on Jul 3, 2008 9:47 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Statny extension

-I don’t buy the Stastny extension argument (details forthcoming in my own post). If it’s such a dark cloud hanging over the Avs head then why not just sign him now? Other players have signed extensions well-before their RFA status came to fruition.

-I will say the Avs offense underperformed on the Power play, but even strength they were a top-scoring team. I think that’s an important distinction to make when saying their offense underperformed last season.

That being said the forwards lineup is very thin after our top 5, and there seems to be too much reliance to “if this guy steps up” and “potential”.

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 10:01 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jibble, thats true – they could sign him now – I have no idea why they aren’t.

I will also give you that the team looks a little thin on the forward lines – but I think that the team is preparing to bring up some forwards (Stewart, Hensick, etc.) come up.

I for one am all for building through the system and the draft then through a huge free-agency signing. However, I wish that Hossa could have gone ANYWHERE else.

by AaronHawn on Jul 3, 2008 10:24 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better

I would feel a lot better about this team if they would just sign another solid center. Federov, Peca and Morrison are all on the market (can all win face-offs) and can all PK.

Right now the Avs have:

Smyth-Stastny-Hejduk
Tucker-Wolski-Svats Machine
McLeod-Arnason/Hensik-McCormick/Jones
Lappy-Guite-Liden

My main beef is with the Wolski/Hensik/Arnason 3rd line center position.  All three of those centers seem out of place with the rest of the forwards.

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 10:47 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I cant see Federov or Morrison on this team. Peca, maybe. But Federov and Peca are shells of their former selves. Morrison might be able to still perform.

by AaronHawn on Jul 3, 2008 10:54 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Peca

Federov and Peca both had solid seasons last season. Morrison was injured.

They aren’t the offesnive threats they once were, but defensively they are still superb. Federov also won >54% of his faceoffs last season, and Peca >52%.

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 11:01 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

The lack of power play production crippled them at times and lost a lot of games. Being that the PP is the showpiece of any truly strong offense, I stand by my contention that the offense, as a whole, was sub-par for the names on the roster.

Suck it.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe @ MHH on Jul 3, 2008 11:03 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Distinction

I certainly agree that the Avs have done nothing to upgrade their weakpoints, which were offense (mainly because of the PP) and Face-offs (which probably partially why their PP was so atrocious)

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 11:09 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lot of teams will discuss those extension during the season. Right the FA period is still underway and the Team is still trying to figure out Sakic’s next move. They will probably start hammering out an extension once the summer is over.

"The difference between a successful person and others,
is not a lack of strength,not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."
-Vince Lombardi-

by Americanario on Jul 3, 2008 10:27 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Wolski contract question

Does anyone know why Wolski is still an RFA after this contract ends? I thought once an RFA is signed their next contract becomes an UFA one?

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 11:52 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

no

it’s about ages and years as a pro. he won’t qualify for another year or 2 after this next contract is up, iirc. Jori probably knows better.

by thedoctor on Jul 3, 2008 11:54 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

bah,meant as reply to jibble

there need to be a break between the post root level comment and the end of current comment, or they need to look different.

by thedoctor on Jul 3, 2008 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think 25 is the age you can become a UFA.

InYoFace Hasek! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Jul 3, 2008 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

but its also about years as a pro too

im looking it up, hang on

by thedoctor on Jul 3, 2008 11:57 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unrestricted free agents will get younger. The minimum age at which a player can shop himself on the open market will drop through the first four years of the agreement:
- In 2005, 31 years old.
- In 2006, 29 years old or eight years of NHL service.
- In 2007, 28 years old or seven years of NHL service.
- In 2008, 27 years old or seven years in the NHL. The 2008 benchmark remains in place for the life of the agreement.

by thedoctor on Jul 3, 2008 12:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh

ok. Its one of those, what ever comes first type of things. Like Wolski needs an oil change or something.

Thanks for clearing that up!

InYoFace Hasek! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Jul 3, 2008 12:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes Thanks

Thank you for doing research I was obviously too lazy to do.

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 12:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

a wise man said recently: “I think this year we’ll consider it a success if we manage to grab a couple of 2nd-tier guys and keep a few of our free agents.”

there just wasn’t the cash to go crazy this year.

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 12:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

2nd tier

I agree with this, i’m just waiting for the 2nd tier guys to show up…

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 12:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Daniel Tjarnqvist

is heading stateside to watch games from our press box

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 12:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah…who the heck is this guy?

by Rather Dashing on Jul 3, 2008 2:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

From what I’ve looked at so far…. he kinda sucks. Great.

by Rather Dashing on Jul 3, 2008 2:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably just a depth signing. Doubt we will see much of him.

InYoFace Hasek! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Jul 3, 2008 2:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lotta "depth signings" this UFA season

The Avs will have a ton of depth. Not a lot of talent, but they’ll be mediocre as far as the eyes can see.

MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.

by Bob in Boulder on Jul 3, 2008 2:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

This coming season seems to be banking on, 1. Wolski stepping up and 2. Budaj stepping up.

InYoFace Hasek! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Jul 3, 2008 2:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Banking on a top 10 pick in the 2009 Draft

:-)

by Angélique C. Murray on Jul 3, 2008 4:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha, that’s positive thinking!

InYoFace Hasek! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Jul 3, 2008 5:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

1 year, 750k

this guy was more than serviceable in Edm. Great signing as a 7th imo.

the whole season now banks on Budaj, and a couple young guys stepping up…but the D looks more solid than it has in 5 years.

by thedoctor on Jul 3, 2008 4:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who?

by Mike the Avs Fan on Jul 3, 2008 12:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

That’s a reply to DD. And where’d you hear that?

by Mike the Avs Fan on Jul 3, 2008 12:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

HF boards has a link

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ohhhh, well that’s from Aftonbladet. The guys who reported Per Ledin. This means that nothing is certain until the Avs announce the deal in a month or so….

by Mike the Avs Fan on Jul 3, 2008 12:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Satan Lives...

Now in Pittsburgh

They also get Fedetenko

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 12:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

that gets a rousing “meh” from me.

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

even the Satan headlines are fun

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 12:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn, that means if I want to follow Satan this season I have to actually watch the Damn Pens…

"The difference between a successful person and others,
is not a lack of strength,not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."
-Vince Lombardi-

by Americanario on Jul 3, 2008 10:12 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting...

Do you guys realize that last season, before signing Forsberg, we did not have any Swedish (or Finnish) players on the team? Well, now we sign Ledin and Tjarnqvist. I suppose we’re trading to get a Finn on the team next right? Miikka Kiprusoff is as good as here, right? RIGHT?

by Mike the Avs Fan on Jul 3, 2008 12:46 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

and we drafted a Norwegian. Did you know only 5 Norwegians have played in the NHL?

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 12:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

BAD PUN ALERT

NO{R}-WAY!!!

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 12:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow 5? That’s a lot. I only know of that one “Shampoo” guy. The one that made the all-star game. Ummm, what was his name? Damnit, I can’t believe I can’t remember it.

by Mike the Avs Fan on Jul 3, 2008 12:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Espen Knutsen?

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, that’s the guy. His name constantly escapes me. I guess that’s because it reminds me of ESPN… I hate ESPN.

by Mike the Avs Fan on Jul 3, 2008 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

bad luck

Yeah, but given that there have only been 5 norwegians….. it’s no surprise, because that means there is officially a 20% chance of this happening….

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080411.wspt-flyers-thorsen-11/BNStory/GlobeSportsHockey

by jd21 on Jul 4, 2008 8:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bad Pun Alert!

NO®-WAY!!!!

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 12:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Original

Sorry, this was originally a response to DD, but I did learn that if you use a capital R surrounded by parenthesis in this blog it makes a®

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 12:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t work in your other post, lol.

by Mike the Avs Fan on Jul 3, 2008 12:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know

I didn’t want it to, that’s why i used {}’s and not ()’s

"A witty saying proves nothing."
- Voltaire (1694-1778)

by Jibblescribbits on Jul 3, 2008 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I see.

by Mike the Avs Fan on Jul 3, 2008 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

O®LY?

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 12:52 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Fan Rumor

I heard on the Fan this afternoon (from a fan) that the Leafs signed the wrong guy. They meant to sign Sauer for 3.5 mil and signed Finger. Accident? Regardless, I laughed my ass off!

Don't Go, Joe!

by texacogirl on Jul 3, 2008 5:15 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Ha

Oops, should have made the blog rounds before I posted that. Hat tip DD.

Don't Go, Joe!

by texacogirl on Jul 3, 2008 5:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rob Blake

is going to San Jose for 5 million freaking dollars.

My word.

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 5:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think they miss Campbell, jjjjuuuuuussssstttt a little bit.

InYoFace Hasek! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Jul 3, 2008 5:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dang. That guy has no loyalty to any team, does he? I mean, it’s not really a huge deal, but I kinda figured he’d finish in LA. Not that I blame him for leaving though.

by Rather Dashing on Jul 3, 2008 11:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think LA wanted him though, I’m pretty sure i read somewhere he wanted to stay in LA but it was up to the Kings management, he did sign with another CAli team though so he obviously didn’t want to move too far. Seems like the same situation Kolzig was in, both thought they could still play but the team didn’t so they had to find a new home.

by Savage33 on Jul 3, 2008 11:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yan can cook

but not in Denver. Yan’s going to St Louis, so no chance at the Stastny Brothers II line we’ve all been dreaming of. well, that I’ve been dreaming of

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 5:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

i thought yan sucked

by thedoctor on Jul 3, 2008 5:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, he does. but it would be fun to write about

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jul 3, 2008 5:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

YAn isn’t much of a chip off the block…but like DD I thought it would be a little fun to have them both for a season….

"The difference between a successful person and others,
is not a lack of strength,not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."
-Vince Lombardi-

by Americanario on Jul 3, 2008 10:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hi, I'm new here

It’s so good to find people who feel the same way I do about the Avs. The last two days have been frustrating.

by hockeynana on Jul 3, 2008 6:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Welcome Hockeynana

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 4, 2008 5:16 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Welcome! Thanks for joining, and please don’t hesitate to chime in whenever.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe @ MHH on Jul 4, 2008 8:20 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smith (Wyatt) to the Lightning

Wonder if he’ll some how make his way out of another training camp and play in Tampa?

"The difference between a successful person and others,
is not a lack of strength,not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."
-Vince Lombardi-

by Americanario on Jul 3, 2008 10:22 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Is Tampa trying to break some FA signing record. Do they even have anyone left on the team from 2 years ago.

by Savage33 on Jul 3, 2008 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d like to care. But I think Smith doesn’t belong in the NHL.
I thought that from the first game I saw where he wore an Avs shirt

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 4, 2008 5:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boyle to San Jose?

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242464&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

I think getting out of San Jose will be good for Carle….he needs a fresh start. I wish it was here…I’d love to reunite Carle and Stastny :-(

by Angélique C. Murray on Jul 4, 2008 8:53 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Carle, etc

i’ve been following Matt Carle since he left DU & I think Ron Wilson ruined him. I don’t know if “The Mullet” will be any better but I’m glad Matt has a new home. Wyatt sucked. period. Can’t believe San Jose paid $5 mil for Rob Blake. Good thing he got used to being booed when he was in Denver. Do I sound too opinionated?

hockeynana

by hockeynana on Jul 4, 2008 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is there such a thing??

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 4, 2008 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

And I agree to pretty much everything you’re saying, although I haven’t followed Matt Carle since, well, ever.
One more thing regarding the Rob Blake signing.
We saw what Foote did in the locker room for the Avs by coming back. I think that alone is worth 5M. Blake will do the same for the Sharks.

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 4, 2008 3:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bernier to Vancouver

For a second and third round pick

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242495&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main

by Angélique C. Murray on Jul 4, 2008 12:46 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Rivet to Buffalo

Two second round picks going back to San Jose

by Angélique C. Murray on Jul 4, 2008 3:01 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Updates

I love this website because I have found updates faster here than anywhere else. Just wish the Av’s had made some of them. At first FG made no moves & I thought he had no balls & then he made big moves and when that didn’t work out amazingly well we’re bakc to timid mode. sigh

hockeynana

by hockeynana on Jul 4, 2008 3:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

another great site

I like this site as well, I find that they often have items posted before TSN even….
http://proicehockey.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spectorshockey.net

by jd21 on Jul 4, 2008 8:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like what the Avs are doing

Look, the Avs can’t get the two biggest names in free agency every year. If they did, then they would be the Rangers.

Not only was this year a really weak class of UFAs but the UFAs that got signed for big contracts were all panic moves. Just take a look at some of the deals that were signed.

Ryder 4 million for 3 years. This is the same Ryder that got a healthy scratch for 30 plus games this year. 4 freaking million dollars for that guy.

Campbell gets 7 something over 8 freaking years. Hey guys, his 8 goals matched Jeff-3.5 million-Finger. The good news is that he’s improving. He only scored 6 goals the year before. For a guy that isn’t that great defensively but excels on the transition game, that’s a real comfort. Oh, and since the guy is 29 years old then that contract expires when he’s the ripe old age of 37. How is the transition game going to do when he’s 33 or so? Since we are on the topic of Chicago and their panic moves you’ve got to discuss Huet at 5.6 million for 4 years. Chicago now enters the season with about 14 million dollars in goaltending. Chicagos does realize they can only play one goaltender at a time right?

I know Redden is a nice defenseman. However he’s not Lidstrom material. He can’t put up 29 to 30 quality minutes in a game and quarterback your powerplay. He’s not intimidating the opposition with his crushing Foote/Stevens style of play. Yet, to the NY Rangers he’s worth 6.5 million for 6 years. Oh, and he’s 31 and not exactly Zubov on skates. Oh, and to top things off how many of you knew that Michal Rozsival was worth 5 million for the next four years in NY? Liles is starting to look like a steal.

Really, the Avs weren’t going to go out and pay Naslund 6 million a year for 3 years taking him to age 38 when he’s on the down side of his career were they?

Seriouly, the only guy in this desperation group of signings that makes sense is Brunette. I’m not quite sure why the Avs, with a choice would take Tucker in a swap for Brunette at the same salary.

Do you really expect the Avs to have an “exciting” UFA season considering the insanity that’s in the market right now? I think FG is taking a reasoned approach to all of this and is looking forward to the trade dealine, RFA salary requirements in the near future and possible trade deadline salary flexibility.

by Dario on Jul 5, 2008 8:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

100% agreed

couldn’t have said it better myself. and the guys they let go (with the possible expections of bruno and sauer) were overpaid to a man.

this year may not work out well short term, but by essentially standing pat and letting the young guns get a chance, I think we’re finally moving forward again.

by thedoctor on Jul 5, 2008 10:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goaltenders

You’re right. I think this comment really set my mind at ease, although it doesn’t discuss the nagging Avs goaltending issue. How are we ever gonna get over Roy with a decent goalie like Budaj? He’s good, not great. And is he able to perform under pressure? Last year’s 15 game streak would indicate yes, although he wasn’t very good coming in for Theo in his first (correct me if I’m wrong) play-off performance.

What the hell was the deal with the Avs putting this much effort into saving Theo’s career if they weren’t going to resign him? He was dead in the water till January and wouldn’t play in the NHL if the Avs would’ve bought out his salary. I just can’t believe the Avs put this much effort AND 12M into him, only to leave for greener pastures. I hope he likes hot temperatures, cus if the bible is any indication, he’ll be in there for a long time, selling out a club like that.

Which brings me to the next point: Sakic.
I will never discuss Sakic’s morals or what he’s done for the Avs, but the fans NEED to know what’s going on. Even if it were to be an injury he can’t seem to shake, the fans would love to know about that, so they could wish him the best of luck and feel affiliated with him. This silent treatment is worse than what I give my g/f after she burns my steak (I love my meat :p)

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 6, 2008 3:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

You mean Budaj’s performance 2 years ago during the streak right, and he did fairly well relieving Theo during the playoffs against Detroit with the exception of game 4 which everyone phoned in. The fact is we will NEVER get over Roy because he’s the best of all time, just like New Jersey will never get over Brodeur, the Avs will always be cursed by Roy’s greatness because no-one will ever compare to him but Avs fans will always try to find someone who does.

The Avs tried to re-sign him but they wouldn’t give him the money he thought he deserved because of what they went through at the start of his cntract. It was more a case of Theo being selfish then the Avs not wanting him, they just didn’t want to overpay him again so he went on his way.

by Savage33 on Jul 7, 2008 3:39 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know, but I’ve also heard the Avs lowballed him, where Theo was willing to take a pay-cut.

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 7, 2008 5:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

they offered him 3m a year, and moved to 3.5m a year. Theo never budged from 4.5m, according to published reports

by thedoctor on Jul 7, 2008 8:33 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then I stand corrected and he’s just a soulless bastard.

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 8, 2008 3:38 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cup???

Cup??? This isn’t even a playoff team.

The Avs have to hope Sakic and Forsberg re-up or else they are looking at a HUGE step back in offense. Defense lost depth and replaced it with nothing. The worst goaltending tandem in the NHL by far. The worst coach in the NHL by far.

And yet people aren’t hanging FG in effigy? Ridiculous.

If I were Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg, I certainly wouldn’t want to come back to this. Why waste all that time and effort getting ready for the season, then actually playing the season itself when this team is probably going to be picking in the top 10?

The worst part? The Avs aren’t even going to give their fans the gift of an honest run at Tavares. They’re going to draft 10th, pick someone who isn’t going to help right away, and you’re going to be back polishing turds this time next year, hoping that whatever pluggers FG decides to sign off of someone else’s scrap heap actually end up being reasonable NHL players.

Tin Dome Tony Granato?
Andrew Freaking Raycroft?
Darcy Freaking Tucker at 2.25m?
Daniel Tjarnqvist? The guy was run out of the league once already.

Are you effing serious, FG?

Anyone who thinks FG deserves to still have a job after this debacle needs to have their head examined. What a freaking imbecile. What a complete freaking abortion of an offseason.

by Neptune2.0 on Jul 6, 2008 2:39 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Disagree

While we may not have improved much this is still essentially the same team that made the playoffs despite playing without Sakic, Stastny, and Smyth for a large chunk of the season. I agree I don’t think we’re cup contenders, but think we’ll be at least as competative as we were last season. How many times have we looked at the Avs loaded with scoring potential to only see them fizzle out when it counts? And then we grumble all off season about how the Avs lack any grit and toughness. The team is definately moving in that direction, and don’t forget you’ve still got a decent group of scoring threats (Stastny, Smyth, Hedjuk, Svatos, Wolski). Even Tuckers getting like 23 goals per season which damn near puts him on par with Hedjuk lately. Lots of young scoring potential in Hensick and Jones as well.

My biggest beef is the coaching change, I’m concerned we’ll just get more of what we had with Quenville. But at least Granato’s mentality matches the personnel the Avs have been acquiring, so maybe the coach and the team will be on the same page for once.

I’m hoping the Defense is much better this season. Clark will be back, plus a full season of Foote if he can stay healthy. I don’t think we’ll miss Sauer much, he ate up a lot of ice time, but really for a guy his size, he was kind of a wuss.

In my eyes the key to this team being competative is whether or not they can improve the special teams this season, that absolutely killed us last season, and yet we still made the playoffs.

I’m sure that we could’ve thrown some money at some of the joker free agents out there, but really are any of them truly worth it? I could maybe argue at picking up Conklin over Raycroft, but I am absolutely thrilled that we let Jose walk, The Caps will regret that signing big time. If we see Tjarnquist more than 3 games this season it means we’ve got serious injury problems going on.

by jd21 on Jul 6, 2008 9:09 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Granato

I think FG told Granato he doesn’t want any of this Q-BS around anymore. So I’m not worried about the coaching

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 6, 2008 3:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree this team isn’t a playoff team without some stars aligning. It’ll take peter and joe returning or some completely unexpected youth stepping up to make them a team with some potential. And Budaj will have to be be better than last year.

what would you have done though, Thomas? It was a weak UFA class, the only guy i thought they should go after was Rolston, and he got a ridiculous term that I wouldn’t have touched. Didn’t you like the Foote and Liles re-signings? Would you have paid Theo 4.5m a year? Really, I’m curious.

by thedoctor on Jul 6, 2008 1:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Budaj will have to be better than last year?

His numbers aren’t all that different than Theo’s last season. Q just settled on Theo, and while he played well, I don’t think he was better than Budaj. If the D plays up to their potential Budaj should be just fine next year. We have the potential still to have some good scoring, but SoS will have to continue to play well, and Hejduk will need to step up. If Wolski and Svatos get a decent center (not Arnason) they should have a better season.

It all may not be Cup potential, but it should be 2nd round playoffs…maybe third with Sakic and/or Foppa back.

"The difference between a successful person and others,
is not a lack of strength,not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."
-Vince Lombardi-

by Americanario on Jul 6, 2008 2:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Budaj is a decent goalie, but people don’t like to see decent in Denver. We want to see the spectacular “Statue of Liberty” saves Roy made and Theo could make.

Budaj is very good positionally, but positional goaltending isn’t as interesting as (Theo’s) reactionary goaltending.

I’m sure Budaj will suffice, but it’s not AS glamorous.

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 6, 2008 3:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why does glamour really matter? If he makes the saves, I’m happy.

Maybe he isn’t the best to watch, but he’s solid enough. Statue of Liberty saves aren’t everything – especially if the puck ends up in the net…

I’m happy with the starter going into the season. Backup not so… lets hope Budaj stays healthy!

by pingu on Jul 6, 2008 5:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d take a positional goalie like Giguere over a glamour, highlight reel goalie like Thomas any day. Goalies aren’t meant to make highlight reel goals since they only happen when they’re out of position.

by Savage33 on Jul 7, 2008 3:43 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

budaj posted decent numbers, but he let in some softies and generally wasn’t as consistent as I would have hoped. Theo got on a hot streak at the end of the year, and that’s why we made the playoffs—all I’m saying is that we’ll need some of that from Budaj too, and I didn’t see it last year.

that said, I feel much better about Budaj as a starter than I did Theo, and I’m confident Budaj can pull it off. But he will need to step up.

by thedoctor on Jul 6, 2008 6:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re gonna have to come up with some valid arguments instead of yelling like a 9 year old.

I don’t think the Avs ever LACKED offense. I’m sure it might be a bit less than previous years, but it’s not a BAD offensive team.
The Avalanche defense looks VERY STRONG. I know few teams with quality top 6 players like the Avs. I agree that it’s not very deep anymore, but we’ll more than cope.

The rest of your comment looks like a lot of filler, based on less than the previous arguments.

Mods, you can delete/edit this as you see fit

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Jul 6, 2008 3:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs