Let the Trade Rumors Begin
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2010 6:00 AM MST
in News
183 comments
Perhaps the oddest concept to grasp in this wonderfully unexpected Avalanche season is the idea that the Avalanche may be buyers at the March 3rd trade deadline. Last spring, just about every veteran from Ryan Smyth to Ian Laperriere were thought to be on the trade block, although Jordan Leopold was the only player traded in the end. This year, the Avalanche may be looking to add talent, not jettison some unwanted space junk.
While the deadline is March 3rd, the Olympic break is just 6 weeks from today. For teams scouting a non-Olympian, they'll want to have all their ducks in a row by then, as there are just 2 nights of games between the end of the Olympic break and the deadline. The Avalanche have 18 games left before that Olympic siesta and one post-Olympic, pre-deadline game on March 1st. With 11 of those 19 games against teams currently 9th or lower in the standings, the Avs have an opportunity to maintain their momentum and could be in a position to *gulp* shape the team in preparation for a playoff run.
What would the Avalanche need? I think we can all agree that goaltending is all set. With the logjam at defense, it's hard to picture the Avalanche making changes here, unless it's along the lines of tweaking by swapping players as they did in the Salei - Skrastins trade two years ago.
That leaves the biggest need at the forward position. The Avs' have some great young forwards in Stastny, Hejduk, Duchene, Wolski, Stewart, O'Reilly and Galiardi. Clearly, that's a group with tons of promise, but it might be a little premature to count on such a green group (Wolski in #2 on that list in playoff experience with 15 games). More importantly, it gets awfully thin after those seven. Do you think we'll go deep in the playoffs with a 3rd line of O'Reilly, Cody McLeod and Darcy Tucker? The Avalanche have a lot of great character guys working on the bottom 2 lines, but probably need to add a forward (or two, if David Jones is unable to return this year) who can put points on the board.
It's probably a little early to look at potential targets, but let's give it the old college dropout try just the same. There are currently 5 teams that are at least 10 points out of the playoff race: Carolina, St Louis, Anaheim, Columbus and Edmonton. Here's a list at some key forwards on those teams who are scheduled to become UFAs this summer.
Anaheim has just two notable UFA forwards in Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne. Selanne has a NTC and certainly isn't going to waive it to return to Denver. Koivu would certainly help in the veteran presence department. But he's a center, and the Avs are more likely looking for help on the wing.
Columbus has two intriguing left wingers in Fredrik Modin and Raffi Torres. Modin has a NTC, but who wouldn't want to leave Ohio? (kidding, folks) He's a veteran with a Stanley Cup ring who might be an excellent complementary player to the young forwards in Colorado. He's suffered a lot of knee injuries in the last few years, but if he's healthy (and available) he could be a good fit for the Avs. Torres would also be an interesting option, but as he's just 27 I'm not sure he'll even be on the market.
Edmonton has Mike Comrie and Fernando Pisani. Both of those guys are injured, and they both play for the Oilers (duh). I'll pass.
St Louis has Keith Tkachuk and Paul Kariya. As much as I love the thought of Paul Kariya burying passes from Paul Stastny, I don't think we're going to see Kariya return to Colorado (he has a NTC ). I dislike Tkachuk, but he'd be the kind of player the Avalanche could use both on and off the ice. He has a NTC as well, and seems committed to staying in Missouri for some unknown reason.
Carolina has three notable forwards set to become free agents this summer. Scott Walker has turned into a bit of a dud; it's scary to say, but I don't think he'd be an upgrade to Tucker. Matt Cullen is a speedy, two-way center. Uh, we've already got one, you see. That leaves Ray Whitney. Whitney is one of the few Hurricanes actually doing anything this year. The 37-year old (he was drafted the same year as Lindros) has a NTC and may not be anxious to leave Carolina, especially since he already has a Stanley Cup ring. If the 'Canes do decide to move him, though (and if he's willing to go), he might be a name worth exploring. We'll just have to try to forget about that one-year stint with the Red Wings.
The problem here is that the Avalanche don't have a lot of tradeable assets. While Ruslan Salei and Brett Clark would certainly be on the block, I can't envision there being much interest for either. The John-Michael Liles rumors are on once again, but he has a limited no-trade clause and may be a tough sell for the 12 teams he can't refuse a trade too. I would imagine Marek Svatos could be had for just about any reasonable offer at this point. Beyond that, you're looking at...maybe TJ Hensick (who is tearing up the AHL. Again). One wild card? Peter Budaj. He's an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if the Avalanche can find a buyer in need of goaltending (Philadelphia? Atlanta?), there might be a deal to be had. After all, it's not like the Avs have any need for a backup, right?
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Since we are going to play the HF boards crazy trading game today, here’s my proposal:
To Chicago: Clark & 4th.
To Colorado: Byfuglien
Why? Chicago is up crap creek on the cap next year and everyone in the NHL knows it. Clark’s deal expires over the summer and Chicago frees up 3 mil in cap space. In the meantime Clark is a coach Q favorite who can help a team in the right position. When it’s all said and done, Chicago has a 4th round pick. Byfuglien would be a nice 3rd/2nd line winger to balance out the smaller lineups of O’Reily, Duchene, Svatos, Tucker, Galiardi, etc…
Trades are fun to prognosticate but rarely happen the way we predict. I think the Avs could do fine with what they have even if they are inexperienced.
Oh, and Svatos plus a 2nd for Kovulchuk.
on HNIC on Saturday, Pierre Lebrun said one of the teams who might make a run at Kovalchuk is Chicago – the team that us up crap creek next summer. Astonishing, really.
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2010 7:20 AM MST up reply actions
Byfuglien is one of the laziest players on earth. If you can get him motivated, he is a beast (see last year’s playoffs)…and IF that happens, I would change my mind (though he has been playing better lately.
I also don’t think the Hawks are in need of any defensemen. They actually have too many, and those too many are all more qualified than Clark.
Keith
Seabrook
Campbell (having a terrific defensive season believe it or not)
Barker (who is decent, even though the fans ride him a lot)
Sopel (who is having a good rebound season, and is currently Q’s “Clark” (aka, play him even when he blows)
Hjalmarsson (who has been consistently one of their best defensemen…currently injured)
And even Jordan Hendry has been a good fill-in.
The Hawks are giving up the least amount of shots per game in the NHL. I don’t think Clark fits, even if he is a Q guy
If this is a re-build...we should do it every year.
Hmm
Maybe Q wants Budaj back?
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 8:10 AM MST up reply actions
I think Q is in the perfect situation right now. Offense starting to score in bunches. Power Play starting to click, defense is phenomenal (they made the Devils look bad on NYE)…Huet having a career year as is his back-up Niemi. They have depth in Rockford who have stepped up and played well. Even Q can’t screw this up too badly (though we will see when the playoffs come around)
If this is a re-build...we should do it every year.
I don’t think any deal the Hawks pull off us going to look good because they won’t get value. They have to shed salary and can’t take any salary back. I know they got depth at D but they got depth everywhere except center. And they aren’t going to get an NHL quality 3rd line center if they want to dump salary.
by Dario on Jan 4, 2010 10:42 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Byfuglien is one of the laziest players on earth.
That’s OK. Sacco could put him on a line with Wolski and Svatos and you know, see what doesn’t happen.
And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.
by Bob in Boulder on Jan 5, 2010 11:09 AM MST up reply actions
Are you trying to scar Wolski for life?
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 5, 2010 11:16 AM MST up reply actions
He scars me with his play sometimes. Man, if he’d just play like he’s capable of playing all of the time he could be a star in this league. Why is he such an enigma?
And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.
by Bob in Boulder on Jan 5, 2010 11:24 AM MST up reply actions
Why is he such an enigma?
"I think you should win if you have a two-goal lead. When you stop playing and stop working hard, that's when the other team is going to be all over you the whole time." - Peter Forsberg
I think that the thought behind Chicago trading for Kovalchuk is that they would be trading for him with the idea in mind that he would be strictly a rental player for the playoffs while they would be trading away some of their complimentary players to alleviate the the crap creek situation this coming summer. Le Brun wrote about it again in his blog for EPN and suggested Versteeg and Barker for Kovalchuk.
by c0nquistad0rian on Jan 4, 2010 9:16 AM MST up reply actions
Cuz they only cover two sports now?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I only turn to ESPN for Monday night football. They don’t cover hockey, I hate baseball and basketball, and their other football programming is terrible. Am I the only one who misses the days when NFL Primetime was just Berman and Jackson? And NFL Matchup was a nice idea but too short in execution. NFL Network’s Playbook is a better alternative.
For hockey, the only real option right now is NHL Network. Its not great, but its better than nothing.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Jan 4, 2010 10:11 AM MST up reply actions
For humor points, trade Hossa for Kovalchuk.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Jan 4, 2010 10:05 AM MST up reply actions
that trade
would ensure that the ’Hawks will win the Stanley Cup!
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
crap creek
flows so much better than sh*t creek, and is OK for the kiddos! I like it.
And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.
by Bob in Boulder on Jan 4, 2010 1:48 PM MST up reply actions
Lebrun said that on HNIC?! I guess if you’re going to blow your credibility you might as well do it in front of the largest contingent of hockey knowledgeable people on the planet instead of on ESPN.
My first jibble of the year! I shall follow each jibble with a random video in tribute the random, confusing nature of the Jibble.
You beat me… In fact that’s the first Jibble I can recall seeing this year decade
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 7:50 AM MST up reply actions
Trades
I think it’s going to be fairly quiet on the Avs trade front this year, but I do think they will work hard to move Clark, and Salei if he ever is healthy enough to get back in the lineup again.
I think Dario’s right though that the Avs could be swapping some players with teams going to the playoffs. A team stacked on forwards and low on defense would be an ideal swap for Clark (someone like Atlanta maybe)
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
(New to the boards, been reading for quite some time, finally posting. Born in West Virginia, always loved Sakic, became Avs fan by default.)
That’s what I’m hoping for. If they can dump Clark or trade Salei, then sure, go for it. But I don’t feel like the team is really ready to contend for a cup this, not enough to go out and dump a bunch of their young talent for a couple of rentals anyway.
Agree
They shouldn’t trade anyone under the age of 30 not named Hensick or Svatos this seasons (that includes Liles)
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 9:45 AM MST up reply actions
I’d love to see the avs pick up someone to bump TJ down to the 4th line center and get some depth, we know he can play on the top 2 lines, but back in 2001 reinpricht was on the 4th line. and if Jones can make it back, put him (or the guy that you pick up to replace Galaradi) down there too.
Jesus Saves! Wolski gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2010 11:19 AM MST up reply actions
No worries
I don’t think there’s any great worry that Liles will be traded. Who’s gonna want him at that price/performance?
A few years ago you could have argued his ceiling was a poor man’s Niedermayer or Rafalski. Now his ceiling is a poor man’s Patrice Brisebois (and the way he’s playing, he’ll be lucky if he lasts in the league as long as Brisebois did). JML needs to have a heart-to-heart with Scott Hannan about how to put his career back on the right path.
Speaking of inconsistency, I see another benching for Wolski in the near future if he keeps playing the way he has the past few games.
Whoa
He’s already way better than Brisbois, especially defensively.
And I thought Wolski was excellent against both Columbus and Ottawa
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 2:01 PM MST up reply actions
Maybe Detroit then
One of those two games I thought to myself "Wolski has looked good tonight, hustling after loose pucks ect, but he’s going to be called Lazy, because that seems to eb the vogue thing to do when he doesn’t get one. "
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 2:24 PM MST up reply actions
Agree
He’s been noticeably poor again lately, imo. He obviously has some talent, but doesn’t alway choose to play how he needs to play. It is very frustrating.
And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.
by Bob in Boulder on Jan 4, 2010 2:32 PM MST up reply actions
Wolski’s on a 6-game goalless streak, his 2nd-longest of the season. He barely played 16 minutes against Columbus, his lowest total in more than a month (apart from the Washington rout). He’s on a short leash, as he should be. He’s obviously got talent, but isn’t consistent.
Let me know when Liles reaches 1,000+ games played in the NHL, like Brisebois did. He’s less than halfway there, he’s 29, and his career is trending downwards.
Brisbois was a slightly better passer in an era when defensemen couldn’t skate nearly as well. Liles is a better player, and it’s not even close.
Trending downwards? Seriously, off of 20 bad games? Last season was probably his best overall (in terms of defense and offense overall)., despite that, he’s still on pace to match his career averages in points etc. His career PPG is .511, and this season he’s at .517. He’s having a slightly subpar season for his standards. My biggest disappointment with him this season has been his regression defensively.
Meanwhile Brisbois’s career PPG is .416, he never had a 40+ point season (Liles has 2) and his defense is quite obviously worse than Liles. Liles is a better NHL player, even in this slump, than Patrick Brisbois ever was.
And the Wolski-O’Reilly-Galiardi line was the best line in the Columbus game, and responsible for the Avs best pressure. Wolski worked just as hard as Galiardi or O’Reilly on that line. And Goaless in 6? Seriously? He also had 15 shots over that 6 game stretch (including 5 against Columbus). Sometimes pucks just don’t fall, random chance, luck etc. He’s playing just fine.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 2:44 PM MST up reply actions
Miscount
17 SOG in the last 6.. Wolski’s playing fine.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 2:54 PM MST up reply actions
Right now my only problem with Liles is that he has to set up every shot and make it just perfect (ie. puck flat on the ice), other than that-he’s superior to Bresbois in just about every way.
Jesus Saves! Wolski gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2010 3:28 PM MST up reply actions
Agree
he’s playing poorly right now. Extremely hesitant with the puck, and deserved the benching. But I hardly think 20-30 games is trending downwards.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 3:29 PM MST up reply actions
agreed
he waits way too long to shoot his load.
"I think you should win if you have a two-goal lead. When you stop playing and stop working hard, that's when the other team is going to be all over you the whole time." - Peter Forsberg
Is he trending upwards?
Being a healthy scratch twice in a row in your 6th full NHL season when you’re the team’s 2nd-highest paid defenseman isn’t exactly an upwards trend. Maybe you see something in Liles that Sacco and his assistants don’t. Liles’s career is trending more towards Tom Preissing’s than Patrice Brisebois’s.
I don’t think last year was his best, not by a long shot. I thought he had a couple of decent stretches (didn’t he get sort of “hot,” by his standards, after the trade rumors?), and that’s what salvaged a crappy season, even though he still struggled. He’s not the same player that he was even 4 years ago, not even close.
If Liles plays 500 more NHL games in his career, which is pretty doubtful at this point, his PPG won’t be .51, it’ll be considerably less, more in the Brisebois range of .42.
Time will tell on this and on Wolski. I predict a couple more trips to Sacco’s doghouse for Wolski, sooner rather than later.
No
He’s been very consistent. I think he’s peaked as a player. He had a great rookie season and everyone expected him to improve like crazy. He didn’t improve a lot, but he’s still a pretty decent defenseman. 35-40 points a season every season. .50PPG.
Last season he had 39 points, on an abysmal offensive team, and it was by far his best defensive season of his career. He was also playing pretty decent before his injury this season. He’s played 20-30 bad games here, but that’s hardly a big enough sample size to say he’s trending downwards and he’ll be out of hockey in a few years.
And Brisebois had exactly one season in which he cracked .5 PPG (’99-00) and he only played 54 games, 35 points. His best full season was .475 PPG (38 points with the Avs in 05-06).
And if we’re using GP as a metric… Forsberg is 300 short of 1k.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 3:37 PM MST up reply actions
gaaahhh
Plateaued* not peaked as a player. I think he’ll stay at this level for 3-5 years and then start to decline. But I think he’ll continue to score 35-40 points for the next 3-5.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 3:44 PM MST up reply actions
He had a great rookie season and everyone expected him to improve like crazy. He didn’t improve a lot, but he’s still a pretty decent defenseman.
He hasn’t improved his scoring since his 2nd season. That’s a pretty early plateau. He’s gotten more ice time and has produced less points. I understand there are other reasons for that, just like I’m sure you understand that scoring is higher now than when Brisebois played most of his career.
The only thing that matters in the context of this trade speculation story is that it doesn’t seem like any other team will take him for his salary, and he can’t crack our lineup which features young Ryan Wilson, young Kyle Cumiskey, and the much-loved Brett Clark. He needs to start playing much, much better in order to justify that salary, and it seems that he needs to start playing at least a little better to get on the ice when it matters.
I’m a fan, want the team to do well, like Liles personally, etc., etc., but he’s too expensive to not be a top 3 defenseman. He’s signed for 2-and-a-half more years, so I hope he starts playing significantly better than he has been, but I don’t like the odds. I haven’t seen too many 6th-year NHL defensemen improve their skating, speed, passing ability, shooting, or their overall game, for that matter. Brian Rafalski did, but I’m not expecting it from Liles.
Agree there, he’s not earning his $4.2M,.
My point with Liles is this: He cam in pretty polished as a rookie and everyone expected him to get a lot better, but maybe he was near his peak when he came in. so he didn’t become the 55-point defenseman people thought he would. He may have reached his ceiling, but stayed there for many years, with more to come.
I just thought calling him a poor-man’s Brisbois was a bit over-dramatic.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 6:03 PM MST up reply actions
If that was overdramatic...
…then this was just batshit crazy (no offense):
Liles is a better NHL player, even in this slump, than Patrick Brisbois ever was.
Assuming you actually believe that, there’s nothing I can do to change your mind. Never thought that point would be argued right now. Thought I was doing JML a favor even linking him to Brisebois, a guy who had a respectable career. Maybe it would be better to link him to Garry Galley, instead?
All I can do is point out that Brisebois played 18 seasons in the league in more than 1,000 games. He played for Pat Burns, Jacques Demers, Alain Vigneault, Claude Julien, and Joel Quenneville, among others. They, who know a thing or two about hockey, put him on the ice for around 20 minutes each night.
But you’re saying that Healthy Scratch Liles, who can’t beat out Brett Clark, Wilson, or Cumiskey for a spot as the 6th defenseman, is better than Brisebois ever was. Interesting.
Brisbois had his own fair share of healthy scratches too, and some of them with those coaches that know a thing or two about hockey. Brisbois did have a respectable career, but Liles is just a better player than Brisbois ever was. Sure, Bris played for defensive minded coaches, but his talent was offensive-defenseman, and he never once scored more than 40 points in a season.
Yeah trap era I know, but at the very worst, for Liles, that means they are even offensively. Liles is still a better defender than Bris ever was (and a much much better skater, which is why he’s a better defender).
But there’s a lot of similarities there… Brisbois never had a spectacular season, but was pretty solid 4th-5th liner every night,and Liles is the same way. I’m probably not being fair to Brisbois, because most of what I saw with him was his awful stint with the Avs, but you keep coming back to this 1,000 games played thing like longevity somehow makes him a better player. He was consistent, and he plateaued for a long time, but I think his peak, is still lower than Liles has already been. And Liles has stayed at that higher peak for longer than Bris ever did.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 5, 2010 12:35 AM MST up reply actions
Brisebois, at his best, has the same skillset as Liles, but does it with less conviction and impact. He might have had a better shot than Liles, but he never used it consistently enough for anyone to notice the difference. Meanwhile, his defensive faults are pretty well-documented. You haven’t mentioned anything that puts Brisebois above Liles, other than the fact he played loads of games for several famous coaches. Yet you are comparing Brisebois’ whole career with Liles right now, at his personal lowest ebb playing for a coach who didn’t take any lack of effort for granted. What about Liles last year, who also averaged 20 mins a night and was the best Dman of the Avs (ok, granted that’s not saying much, but I think most people will agree with me that he played pretty well last season?)? A lot of good players have lost their way for a period and gotten scratched (off the top of my head, I can remember Marc Savard for Calgary one year). That doesn’t mean that horrid period should define the player’s whole career, especially when he’s coming back from two shoulder injuries that have put him off for two weeks each which messed up his momentum.
Look, I’m not completely biased towards Liles. In fact, I’m suggesting he was overrated in his first few seasons with Blake. But you have to show me a lot more than the fact that he played lots of minutes for the Canadiens during some of the worst years in their history, and for the Avs during a period I personally witnessed him being horrible, in order to convince me that Brisebois is a better player than Liles.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
I still think that aside from experience, the Avalanche’s major needs are: another top six (left) winger, a face off and penalty killing specialist depth forward, and a defenseman that can quarterback the powerplay and has a big (right handed) shot from the point. To add to that list, if Budaj is not re-signed this summer, they are going to need a back up goaltender and some willingness to deploy said back up.
Certainly experience can be addressed over time. Likewise, I think that the Avs have the prospects in the system to address their other major needs over time. That in mind, I hope that the Avs don’t lose focus from their rebuild plan and start trading away major assets to make a run this year. Sure, if the team is able to get a Whitney or Torres for a low round draft pick, I won’t complain. But if not, would much rather see them take the team that they have now into the playoffs. Take the experience. Trim the UFA fat (Tucker, Svatos, Koci, Salei, Clark) this summer if no buyers are had for any of them at the deadline.
I agree. I think our farm, while extremely productive this season, is still rather thin in terms of quantity. Our best players this season have mostly been our own draft picks (except for Anderson, Wilson and Quincey). I think if we are going the route of rentals, it has to be cheap rentals. Anything more than low round picks or prospects unlikely to make it in our system, I think, is too much for us at this point.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
I think getting that big right handed shot should be the top priority, but all our UFAs are likely to bring us is a few bags of pucks or damp sandwiches.
I’m glad we’re only one year from having all our bad contracts off the books.
If Santa comes down my chimney wearing those Red Wing colors, he's going to wish he didn't exist.
The only problem I have with moving Budaj, is who would you replace him with, and would you be saving that much money next year? He can’t expect a raise at this point, why not keep the tandem intact? It appears that management may be a little hesitant about handing that role to Weiman, but who knows.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I also seriously doubt any team would give us a lot for Budaj. The turnover from a potential trade, IMO, is not worth what Budaj could offer us for the rest of this season: stable backup goalie who is a great teammate.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
You never know
decent goaltending depth is usually a commodity at the deadline. Budaj might be wroth a lot at the deadline.
That said, I don’t think he’s going anywhere
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 9:46 AM MST up reply actions
Here is an article on the importance of a solid No. 2 Goalie (nice comments about Budaj). It also discusses the importance of actually playing said No. 2 Goalie, but that is a different story.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=511841
And I don’t think he is going anywhere either.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
Yeah, but there are a lot of goaltending depth on the market this year (Biron, Roloson, Halak/Price, Giguere, potentially Conklin). The market value, I’d expect, would go down because of the many options available.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
agree
I don’t think Budaj is going anywhere, but the Avs should listen to people if they call and ask about Buds.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 10:13 AM MST up reply actions
Let’s trade him to Edmonton for Tom Gilbert.
Goaltending prospects are underperforming across the board for the Avs right now. Maxwell, Delmas, Cann, and Millan aren’t impressing right now. Petterson might be the only dark horse in the system that could be thtat next great goaltending prospect ATM. I’m not sue the Avs can afford to lose Budaj yet.
by Dario on Jan 4, 2010 10:34 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Very true. I’m not in favor of trading Budaj away, but he’ll be a UFA, and might want to go to a place where he’d get another shot at #1.
Like I said, I’d listen.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 10:38 AM MST up reply actions
Personally, I’d like to see Budaj re-signed. I think that he’s very solid in a back up role and he has shown to be a great contributor on shootouts – even if he’s not the goalie that’s playing in them. Although, I wish that Sacco could implement a more structured rotation for his goaltenders.
True, Budaj’ll be a UFA. But as with this past off season, I don’t really think that there will be many teams looking for goaltending and there will be a glut of goaltenders on the market looking for spots.
I agree with Jibbles that I would listen to offers on Budaj if there are any. But as Mike said, who would the Avs replace him with? Weiman would be subject to recall waivers in order to join the team. Chances are that at that point, teams would be comfortable with their goaltending moving forward and Weiman would clear waivers. But, do you really want your goaltending contingency plan for the playoffs to be an AHL goaltender with very little NHL experience? I would only take an offer on Boods if the team is grossly over paying for him.
by c0nquistad0rian on Jan 4, 2010 3:45 PM MST up reply actions
totally agree. I want to re-sign Buds.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 3:56 PM MST up reply actions
As long as Budaj wants to stay in Denver, with the idea that he is going to be the back-up to Anderson, re-sign him. So far he has been a team guy no matter what obstacles have been thrown his way.
He almost carried the team to the playoffs a few season ago after Aebi was traded for and injured three-or-four only to basically be benched as soon as Theo was ready to go. People complained he lost the #1 job the next season (even though everyone knew Theo was supposed to be the #1 guy). This season he has played very well in the few starts he’s received, and probably wouldn’t have received that many if Andy hadn’t been hurt. I could name more, but I think you get the point.
Through all that and more he seems to remain a team guy and a positive influence. He works hard in practice, takes advantage of the start he gets, doesn’t complain and even helps the guy in front of him (Andy) when he see something/knows something about the other team. He obviously studies the game and the players and is then able to help the skaters, like tha game where he told Wolski to change his shot in the shoot out. If nothing more he’s another coach on the bench with his great attitude.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
anyone think it would be possible to move preissing? i know it would be a little difficult with his lack of games this year, but AD mentioned in his mail bag today that he was getting a point every second game or so..might be a tough sell to anyone..
i’d personally, (like everyone else here) would obviously like to see clark gone, if we can get a good grinder for tucker, that would be nice as well, hmm lappy for tucker and clark?
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
anyone think it would be possible to move preissing?
Only for a bigger albatross contract.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 10:14 AM MST up reply actions
Why do you have to remind me of these things. He’s getting $2.75 million a year until 2011!
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
$20 says he’s bought out…
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 12:41 PM MST up reply actions
i could see that, but it’s pretty easy to bury that kinda contract in the minors, no?
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
I don’t count against the cap…
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
i’d still buy him out though
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
wouldn’t make sense to do it though.
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2010 1:07 PM MST up reply actions
what would you do david?
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
Force him to legally change his name to “Matt Duchene” in secrecy then put him on waivers and watch some poor sucker pick him up.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 1:24 PM MST up reply actions
it's so crazy...
it just might work!!
TO THE BAT CAVE!!
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
with Preissing? leave him in Lake Erie until his contract runs out
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2010 1:42 PM MST up reply actions
See, DDC agrees with me. It’s not our money.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
With Preissing’s current situation, his contract isn’t counting against the team’s cap. Yet, since he is on a one-way contract, the team is still paying him the full $2.75 million of his salary due this year.
If he’s bought out in the off season, the team will only owe him 2/3 of his remaining $2.75 million annual salary, which comes out to about $1.83 million. And that amount would be spread out over the team’s cap hit over the next two years at about $966,667 per year. Given that it’s just under $1 million per year and the team should likely be able to spare the cap space over the next two seasons, it seems likely that he’d be bought out.
But, if I’m Sherman, I place Preissing on recall waivers just before the deadline. On the chance that some team looking for cheap defensive depth or a possible spark to their power play at the deadline claims him, the Avs only owe him 1/2 of his remaining contract. They’d pay just $1.375 million of his salary next season, have the same cap hit and be done with it after that.
by c0nquistad0rian on Jan 4, 2010 3:27 PM MST up reply actions
I’d still like to see us sell at the deadline for picks, then package some of those picks for higher draft selections. The playoff experience will be invaluable, but I don’t think we need to concern ourselves with going all the way this year.
I know if sounds ridiculous for a team at the top of their division, but I would love to have one more year of the possibility of grabbing an impact player from the top 15 of the 2010 draft.
Colorado Avalanche: Preventing itchy playoff beards since '09
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Jan 4, 2010 10:11 AM MST reply actions
Tucker
If someone will give us anything for him, he’ll be moved. Even if it’s a low draft pick.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 10:16 AM MST reply actions
A snickers bar.
Avalanche 2009-2010: Ostensibly, the worst team in the league. Realistically, top of the NW division.
only a stale one, half-eaten, found in the back pocket of your jeans.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
That'd actually be more handy on D than you think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lOGnKUHlGA (Caddyshack!)
Colorado Avalanche: Preventing itchy playoff beards since '09
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Jan 4, 2010 10:31 AM MST up reply actions
Sold
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 10:24 AM MST up reply actions
can it play on the first line pp??
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
No, but it will be better then the current second line pp
Avalanche 2009-2010: Ostensibly, the worst team in the league. Realistically, top of the NW division.
OT: Shift charts
Anyone know of where I can find shift charts for games. I want to do a little research for a post and they would be extremely helpful.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 10:43 AM MST reply actions
the only other place I know was www.timeonice.com and I don’t think he’s current
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2010 1:09 PM MST up reply actions
Scraps from Phoenix or Nashville collapse?
Looks like Nashville is now joining Phoenix in the world of insolvency. According to SI, they’re in default with the city on their arena lease, and the owner has a big tax problem. I can’t see the NHL buying another franchise. Who from the Nashville roster do we want?
Attention NHL-Mart shoppers. We have blue light specials in Phoenix, Nashville, Tampa… And look for some great deals in our Rental department.
I think next season is going to be different. Might be some happy fans in Kansas City, Winnipeg and Quebec City. Might also be a 28 team league.
maybe you’ll see a bit of a sell off. No franchise movement, Phoenix looks like it’s got some stability now, Tampa has a $$ owner and what do you think Nashville will do, lose the team and have an empty arena or do a little wheeling and dealing.
Jesus Saves! Wolski gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2010 11:25 AM MST up reply actions
I think you’re overestimating the severity here. The arena thing is mostly the Arenas fault, from what I can tell in Nashville.
Dirk Hoag, the authority on the Predators, has some good thoughts on the overblown reporting (from Dec 12th)
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 11:51 AM MST up reply actions
As far as Phoenix goes, they are doing nearly as well as us but with about 10 million less in player salaries. Nashville is also operating a team near the cap floor.
However, Phoenix do have a lot of players signed for 1 year on the cheap. As far as forwards go they have 3 UFA’s in Lang, Lombardi and Pyatt. Pyatt’s the only natural winger – but not really a scoring line winger. Scottie Upshall is an RFA also, but considering he is having a good year and posting the highest rate of points per 60 minutes – it is unlikely that he is going.
I doubt you’d get any of the other RFA’s without trading a similar prospect back, as they are all very young (and cheap).
As for Nashville, there are no expired UFA’s/RFA’s that are available on the front-end (unless Wade Belak does it for you), hence it would be down to getting a player with a few years left such as JP Dumont which would cost a fair bit back.
Third line
How about a line of McLeod-O’Reilly-Yip? They all play hard, two-way hockey. They’ll hit, they’ll go to the net. It’d like that in the playoffs, yes sir.
Right. But, it’s just scary to play Tucker and Svatos on the 4th line. Any checking line in the league will run over them. So, we once again come to the point where we should consider trading both of those players. 3rd line LW and 2nd round pick? Just wishful thinking, of course.
Somebody out there would like Tucker, just for the grit he can bring, when motivated. OT, how has Yip been playing? Just one Maple Ridger rooting for another.
Please allow me to adjust my pants, so that I may dance the good time dance, and lead the onlookers and innocent bystanders into a trance.
Yip plays hungry. He’s still a little rough, but he sure works hard. He wants to be out there, and is getting a lot of play time, and gets better each shift. I am pro.
Thanks Joe...
a cheaper, more skilled tucker??
aka Tucker circa 2002
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
Are we talking about the warm snickers bar again?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
was once quite good, but now wouldn’t eat it if someone paid us..why yes, yes we are
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
I think you’re underestimating the power of the almighty dollar.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Yip has been rocking it!
3G 1A in 7 games. Skating hard, going to the net. Took a bad penalty in the Wings game (delay of game) and has been out of position a few times, but overall VERY intriguing!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Time to grow a pair, boys!
Completely off topic
But its midseason. Will we be seeing mid season grades again? Or are all the slacker writers too “busy”?
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
I personally don’t have the time, unfortunately. I heard a rumor that someone might be working on them, but I don’t know if you can bank on that.
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2010 1:41 PM MST up reply actions
The John-Michael Liles rumors are on once again, but he has a limited no-trade clause and may be a tough sell for the 12 teams he can’t refuse a trade too.
I thought I remembered he had some kind of NTC on that deal but couldn’t find info on it when I looked for it last week. Thanks DDC.
LandlockedDesertGuy, is this you?
And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.
by Bob in Boulder on Jan 4, 2010 1:31 PM MST up reply actions
Hmmm. Just registered… only two comments involve Liles…
Let’s find out. Liles has peaked as a player, and should be traded ASAP before his value decreases any more, if that is even possible. He is also below average in the ‘looks’ department, and more often than not has a terrible odor about him. In short, Liles is SUXXXXOR.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Aph on Jan 4, 2010 1:42 PM MST up reply actions
I heard he’s horrible at the horizontal mambo, if you know what I mean…
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I think I know what you mean…
He is usually over par after finishing a round of mini golf.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Aph on Jan 4, 2010 2:50 PM MST up reply actions
You have simultaneously the worst low-key and most obvious login name on SBNation. Congrats.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
knowing that (insert name here) is as intelligent as we all know (insert gender specific object pronoun here) to be, i think we can all assume that (insert subject pronoun here) used the worst low-key and most obvious login name on SBNation on purpose. just sayin.
by Stefka.Kostadinova on Jan 4, 2010 2:56 PM MST up reply actions
i knew MHH had a ghost
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
a 4-headed one
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2010 3:04 PM MST up reply actions
Which is why I chose to use your other incognito name. Someone would need to do some serious digging to figure this one out. Not that it took me more than 2 seconds to spot your new handle. ;)
And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.
by Bob in Boulder on Jan 4, 2010 2:41 PM MST up reply actions
well, I was clueless.
no big shocker there
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jan 4, 2010 2:44 PM MST up reply actions
Personally, it took me 0.2 MILLA-seconds, but that’s just me.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Praytell,
what, precisely, is Milla-second and in what way, if any, does it relate to a millisecond? ;-P
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Time to grow a pair, boys!
A MILLA-second (for the uninformed) is the unit of time representing the amount of time in the common measurement (seconds) that it would take me to say "YES" if the above asked me to join her in a jacuzzi.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
She either is ready to suduce me or go to sleep. Because I know me, the safe bet is that she’s had a 1/2 a bottle of nyquil.
Jesus Saves! Wolski gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2010 3:58 PM MST up reply actions
Only half? Your pimp skillz are getting stronger, young grasshopper.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Naw, I have an orlando bloom mask and with a 1/2 bottle of nyquil and the right lighting I think i could pull it off.
Jesus Saves! Wolski gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2010 4:01 PM MST up reply actions
Thank you for the clarification.
So what you’re saying is that a Milla-second is something incrementally greater that instantaneous.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Time to grow a pair, boys!
Hopefully
(name redacted) isn’t applying for a job with you.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 4, 2010 2:45 PM MST up reply actions
I hope (name redacted) catches on as shorthand for (name redacted)’s new online persona.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I only come to this website for the pictures, I have no idea what you’re talking about but I really wish I had thought of (name redacted) as my user name.
Jesus Saves! Wolski gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2010 3:56 PM MST up reply actions
AvalancheDB is always a good place to go for contract notes….
09-10 Salary cap figures
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
Great Article. I hope the Avs stay pat...
I am really enjoying these guys fighting each night together. If the Avs do make a move I hope it is for draft pick(s) or that the player that we get will not hurt team chemistry.
I am really enjoying these guys fighting each night together
damn straight, it’s been a while since i’ve seen this team fight ‘as one’ vs ‘individuals’
i think it’s because of our ‘team’ game that we’re where we are today
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
Since my cover is blown and all....
My internet guru friend wiped out connections between my former email addy I used with my old username and my real email addy and real name, so with this completely anon BS stuff I came up with, I am free to come back and haunt you all in person!
So be careful what you say, Jibs!!!!
"I think you should win if you have a two-goal lead. When you stop playing and stop working hard, that's when the other team is going to be all over you the whole time." - Peter Forsberg
The Avs need a shot from the point
worse than they need anything else. I’d try to unload Salei, Svatos, Clark, Hensick…all the names that have been mentioned.
Sheldon Souray would probably be available. But I seriously doubt the Avs can acquire anything that they would actually need without giving up some picks and prospects.
Personally, I’d rather unload any junk we’ve got if we can and try to get by with what we’ve got. There is a lot of money coming off the books in the next two off seasons, and if the Avs keep developing the young talent they have and just be patient, they’ll be able to add some quality pieces via free agency. I don’t think this team is one step away from the cup yet, so why trade the future away?
www.returnoftheghostbusters.com
I’ll agree with this, with the economy and a falling salary cap I think there might be some players available after the season.
Jesus Saves! Wolski gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2010 4:36 PM MST up reply actions
there is no way i’d take souray, yes, he’s got a point shot, but he is a GIANT defensive liability
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
Just play him on the power play. Hell, maybe even Schneider…Vancouver put him on waivers. But as I understand it, he was unhappy that he was only being used on the power play, which is what I imagine he would be doing for the Avs.
www.returnoftheghostbusters.com
Off topic, did anyone get any Avs paraphernalia from St. Nick? I got one of those new 3rds with a #26 on it.
Jesus Saves! Yip gets the rebound and scores! Really? That's where I'm going with this? Come on Duchene and SoS start scoring!!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 4, 2010 4:43 PM MST reply actions
I love the look of the 3rds
but holy hell are they bad luck.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Jan 4, 2010 4:47 PM MST up reply actions
My vote:
Sell, sell, sell at the deadline. Sherman should get whatever picks he can get for Tucker/Salei/Svatos/Clark. Then, do whatever it takes using those picks to move up (if necessary) and pick Nino Niederreiter. That dude would look AMAZING on Duchene’s wing.
Oh Noes!
After all, it’s not like the Avs have any need for a backup, right?
I should never be taken seriously.... Seriously!
That’s…..disturbing. And huge.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
That's what she said.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Jan 5, 2010 8:58 AM MST up reply actions
For some reason, this made me laugh.
Well done, sir.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Jan 5, 2010 9:06 AM MST up reply actions
Annnnnnd here we go
Dater airs a rumor he’s hearing of a trade with Chicago,
To Colorado:
Kris Versteeg
To Chicago:
Kevin Shattenkirk and a 2nd round pick
I’m definitely of the opinion that despite our need for wingers, we should not be acquiring them by giving up first-round picks. Especially when they’re guys like Shattenkirk, who has all signs pointing to panning out in the NHL in the near future.
Colorado Avalanche: Preventing itchy playoff beards since '09
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Jan 5, 2010 7:42 AM MST reply actions
NO, NO, NO
Versteeg for Shattenkirk straight up is a questionable trade. For him + a 2nd… is insanity
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 5, 2010 7:48 AM MST up reply actions
Agreed. Change Versteeg to Sharp and we have a deal though.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Oh fuck yes.
I’d do that up right away.
/admitted Sharp fanboy
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Jan 5, 2010 8:59 AM MST up reply actions
DO NOT WANT.
I’m all for dipping into the defensemen prospect pool if we need to, but holy hell no thanks. Versteeg is a solid player but I’m not down with giving up Shattenkirk and a second. This would be a knee-jerk reaction to the success of this year’s team and would hurt the long-term goals of the rebuild.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Jan 5, 2010 8:06 AM MST up reply actions
I might be willing to go for Cohen + 2nd for Versteeg, but Shattenkirk is listed as a better prospect than O’Reilly, Stoa and Galiardi (on Hockey Future’s). I like Versteeg.. but shattenkirk is our top prospect.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 5, 2010 8:15 AM MST up reply actions
Besides the insanity of trading our top prospect, I have a hard time believing that we are the ones who should be packaging a pick here. Chicago is dealing from a position of weakness due to cap hell, and I’d think they should be the one sending us a little something extra for taking on salary.
Colorado Avalanche: Preventing itchy playoff beards since '09
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Jan 5, 2010 8:21 AM MST up reply actions
definately unless it’s versteeg and a 1st for cohen and a 2nd.
Jesus Saves! Yip gets the rebound and scores! Really? That's where I'm going with this? Really? Come on Duchene and SoS start scoring!!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 5, 2010 3:17 PM MST up reply actions
HF rankings
don’t take into account current season’s being played, otherwise I would think O’Reilly and maybe even Galiardi get bumped up ahead of him. At least they’ve proven something at the NHL level. Shattenkirk is still all potential.
And I would be fine with Cohen/Elliot/Gaunce + a 2nd. Give them a list of those three guys, let them pick their favorite, and do it up. I’m in for that trade.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Jan 5, 2010 8:27 AM MST up reply actions
Agree
Although I agree with FJFD: Chicago needs the cap relief, so a 2nd might be steep. maybe a 3rd + one of those trio.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jan 5, 2010 8:35 AM MST up reply actions
Absolutely.
I’m all for using our leverage but I still think refusing Shattenkirk and forcing them to pick a lesser prospect (Cohen would be my choice as he’s my least favorite of the aforementioned trio) would probably be the use of that leverage.
That said, assuming they didn’t have the cap hell situation, Versteeg alone isn’t worth the value of anyone’s top prospect so Shattenkirk wouldn’t be a starting point, anyway. Giving them young, cost-controlled talent PLUS a pick for a guy who is a solid but unspectacular player in the current economy of the game seems like a poor decision.
Again, I don’t mind dipping into the prospect pool or even the draft picks but it would have to be for something a little more substantial than Kris Versteeg.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Jan 5, 2010 8:51 AM MST up reply actions
Apparently the drugs that lead them to sign $67 million of players with a $59 million cap is still in effect.
Why don’t we wait to see if Wilson can finish the season at a strong pace before we SHIP AWAY THE BEST PROSPECT IN THE SYSTEM, ’kay?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Shattenkirk could turn out to be another Duncan Keith kind of player. The Avs have already stuck through 90% of Shatty’s development cycle. Trading Shattenkirk is straight up silly.
And really, what the hell is Versteeg in this? I don’t see a need for that kind of player on the Avs right now. There’s only one spot for him and that’s on the LW with Duchene. Does Duchene need a smaller winger who’s relatively weak on the puck? I just don’t buy it, even if the rumored trade cost wasn’t so outlandish.
the Avalanche will make a push to acquire Chicago Blackhawks forward Kris Versteeg this summer
That would be, what, 7 months from now? Lots of hockey between now and then to see where our guys and their guys and the other guys and all the guys are at, ya know?
(mmmmmm….guys…..)
"I think you should win if you have a two-goal lead. When you stop playing and stop working hard, that's when the other team is going to be all over you the whole time." - Peter Forsberg
by NurseBeachie on Jan 5, 2010 10:40 AM MST up reply actions
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- Montreal's Price talks new 2-year contract, expectations post-Halak
- Donald Fehr aware of Kovalchuk drama, mum on everything else
- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
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