An Interesting Look at our UFAs on FtR
Along with 3 other teams eliminated from the playoffs. What the article had to say about ours copied and pasted here:
Darcy Tucker — Tucker's days as a skilled agitator are done for. He had no points in a limited role in the Avs' six-game exit to No. 1 seed San Jose, and had 24 points in the regular season — an improvement over last season, but still not worth $2.3 million. Offseason: Tucker is 35, so a multiyear deal is probably out of the question. Maybe Brian Burke would welcome the one-time Toronto favorite back to the Leafs for $1 to 1.5 million?
Marek Svatos — Mile High Hockey named him co-winner of the site's MWP (Most Worthless Player). Need I say more? Offseason: Svatos was, simply put, dreadful all year, but did score once in three playoff games. If MHH has its say, Svatos won't be back. He'll be 28 this offseason and someone will want to take a chance that he can regain his 20-goal form at a decent price, but it won't be last year's $2.35 million. Maybe a contender (Detroit) will take a flier at around $1.25 million, or an also-ran will hope to benefit from his ability at a low price. Europe could come calling with big cash, too.
David Koci — Wow! MHH's other MWP winner! How, exactly did Colorado make the playoffs given all their injuries and lackluster play (psst ... it's coaching, leadership and some great performances out of some blossoming young stars)? Koci never appeared in the playoffs and got into just 43 regular season games, registering one goal and 84 penalty minutes. Offseason: Koci's a legitimate heavyweight — though an average fighter — so he could find a home with a team in need of a pugilist. At $575,000 last year, his salary can't get much lower — unless he can only land a two-way deal.
Matt Hendricks — The soon-to-be 29-year-old center got his first real shot at the NHL this year, managing 16 points in 56 games, plus played in all six playoff contests against the Sharks (no points). Also in his favor is his use on the penalty kill. Offseason: Hendricks made $500,000 this season, and could land a similar deal to return to the Avs. The big question is if another team has seen enough of him to throw a one-way deal his way. It may be Colorado or bust.
Chris Durno — Durno played in just one playoff game (no points) and 41 regular-season games (four goals, four assists). With Koci out of favor, Durno could step in as a fourth-liner who has the size to fight the league's heavyweights while adding a hint of offense. Offseason: Durno, like Hendricks, made $500,000 this year and would likely be thrilled to be back at the same price. With Tucker and Koci likely on the way out, the Avs probably wouldn't mind having him back to take some of the fighting pressure off Chris Stewart.
Stephane Yelle — The Avs brought Yelle back from Carolina at the deadline to infuse some playoff experience, leadership and, I'm sure, nostalgia from the good ol' days. He's 35, which isn't too old, and isn't expected to put up any kinds of numbers any more — which he didn't with the Canes or Avs. Offseason: Yelle had to wait a long time this offseason before finally landing in Carolina ($550,000), then was sent through waivers before regaining a spot in the lineup and playing fairly well before heading back to the Avs. Colorado's youth movement probably doesn't have room for Yelle, and his options are limited. If the Avs are a no, it might the end for Yelle in the NHL.
Brett Clark — Once again, we look to our friends at MHH. The verdict? Clark was part of the worst defensive pairing — regardless of partner. Ouch. He had 20 points this season, then played just one game in the first round of the playoffs. Offseason: His $3.5 million is coming off the books, and don't expect it to be back in Colorado — or anywhere else at that number. He might get around $2 million a season from a team in need of someone who can play close to 20 minutes a night, including power play and penalty kill experience.
Ruslan Salei — MHH already has him pegged for the KHL, and it's east to see why. Salei made $3.275 million in 2009-10. He fought injuries all season, playing just 14 games, and got in just one postseason match. The injuries may be an aberration — he has four 82-game seasons on his resume — but there will certainly be concern around the league since he is already 35. Offseason: Salei won't be in Colorado, and maybe nowhere in the NHL, next season. Even if he lands in the NHL, he'll need to take a huge paycut — perhaps a third of what he made last year or less.
Adam Foote — The Avalanche captain made $3.25 million this season, and at 38 (39 this offseason) he battled a variety of injuries in playing 67 games. He still played more than 21 minutes a night in Colorado's six postseason games and more than 19 minutes in the regular season. Offseason: If Foote wants to play another season, Colorado should welcome him with open arms. Not enough has been said about Foote's leadership as a key factor in the Avs' shocking season. Will he make more than $3 million? No way. But if he'll play for $1.75 million, Colorado should snap him up and throw a ticker-tape parade in his honor.
Peter Budaj — Budaj never could seize the No. 1 job in Colorado, and Craig Anderson's outstanding season makes Budaj a backup option in Colorado and nothing more. He went 5-5-2 this season with a respectable 2.64 goals against average and .917 save percentage. Coincidentally, the last two stats are mirror images of Anderson's numbers, except Colorado's new No. 1 won 38 games. Budaj played briefly in Game 5 against San Jose, allowing one goal on four shots. Offseason: The Avalanche could decide to stick with Budaj for familiarity's sake, and he likely won't fetch much more than the $1.25 million he made in 2009-10. It seems like the best fit, but the Avs or Budaj could be looking for a change.
about 2 years ago
Bob in Boulder
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I’d like to see Hendricks, Durno, Yelle, Foote and Budaj back, though I’m not sure there’s room for all of them. But that’s what I want.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
Durno
I’m not sure there’s room for him in any bigger roll than he had this season, especially if we bring Yelle back.
The fact is, we’re light in talent at winger, and we really could use one or two more. I’d like to see the Avs sign/trade for a top 6 winger and bump Galiardi to the third line with O’Reilly and Jones. that leaves little room for Durno.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 28, 2010 4:05 PM MDT up reply actions
I know..
that’s why I said I didn’t there was room for him. I just think he’s smoking hot.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 28, 2010 4:30 PM MDT up reply actions
Really not alone
Sandie
"We called him Clark Kent because away from the rink, he was just a nerd. Then he'd go into the Colorado dressing room and put on his Avs jersey, and all of a sudden he was Super Joe"- Theo Fleury
by Sandie Gauthier on Apr 29, 2010 5:13 PM MDT up reply actions
Yep,
not alone!!
Ridiculously proud of our Avs for their performance this year.
Almost Giddy excited about next season!
And rooting for a Chicago/Philly Final.
Yelle’s faceoff skills were huge in the playoffs. It’s not like he’ll cost more than a minimum wage one-year deal, and I don’t think he’ll mind not playing too many games (he didn’t last year anyways).
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
You mean his skills at getting kicked out of nearly every faceoff he took? Seriously, I’ve never seen anyone get kicked out of more faceoffs.
I hate the Red Wings.
but was that because of him or his linemates? Sacco likes his wingers to push the limits on fighting for positioning if you notice. Lots of elbows and over-the-line skate placement.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 28, 2010 4:31 PM MDT up reply actions
especially with the 3rd and 4th lines.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 28, 2010 4:32 PM MDT up reply actions
I know
And it was likely a combination of both. There was someone getting kicked out of every faceoff, it seemed. Yelle seemed to be the victim/culprit more often than anyone. When he stayed in, though, he usually won it.
I hate the Red Wings.
I don’t know, Thorton seems to get kicked out of every faceoff he takes!
by xskatebakerrx on Apr 28, 2010 11:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Someone mentioned (not sure where I saw it) that the Sharks almost always have 2 good faceoff men on the ice at all times. They all “cheat” a little, because if they get thrown out, then it’s no big deal because the second guy will get to take it. The second guy never gets thrown out.
I was watching it, and this made sense. Thornton-Marleau, Pavelski-Clowe, and Malhotra-Mitchel.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 7:17 AM MDT up reply actions
They kept saying it during the Sharks broadcast during the playoff series. I thought it was interesting too.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 29, 2010 8:39 AM MDT up reply actions
I dunno. Maybe he was just saying Koci is legitimately heavy…. but an average fighter.
Forever grateful that Joe Sakic isn't a douche bag like Brett Favre.
by Rather Dashing on Apr 29, 2010 9:28 AM MDT up reply actions
Nice job MHH
You practically did all this guy’s research for him.
At least we don’t have to worry this season about being outbid for our free agents. I welcome back Hendricks, Durno, Budaj and Foote. I really hope Svatos can turn his career around somewhere else. The rest get a big “meh.”
"If I get run into again, I'm taking someone with me. I lost one knee. I'll take a head if it happens again." - Grant Fuhr
By my admittedly dodgy math
With the axing of our dead wood, specifically- Svatos, Clark, Salei, Tucker and Koci, we would save 12 mil.
Wowzers Trousers. Enough money to sign some decent D, an LW and offers to Foote, Budaj et al.
It's hard to be a saint in this city
And Foote’s not getting $3M+ next season either. we’ll save money there too.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions
The raises won’t be nearly as much, because of RFA status. Mueller didn’t have a good season and was hurt. Quincey and Stewart will get raises, and Yip will probably get a small one.
I dont’t think it will take up that much more of our cap space.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 12:28 PM MDT up reply actions
12mil?
KOVY!!!!!!!
Just kidding, but t would be nice to get another top 6 Winger. I remember people talking about Versteeg or Rene Bourque (he kills us), but with the injuries hopefully not being an issue next tear what are we looking at?
Yip-SoS-Stewie
Mueller-Dutchy-Duke
Gali-Radar-Jones
Hendricks-Yelle-Highlander
what about Stoa?
by Avalanche318 on Apr 29, 2010 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Yip is not a first line player. I like the kid, and he’ll improve, but he’s not a 1st liner.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Someone suggested Gali to 3rd line
so I just assumed they wanted Yip up on 1st line.
What do you have in mind Jibs?
by Avalanche318 on Apr 29, 2010 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions
A free agent on the 1st line. The Avs are short a top line winger. (I suggested Gali to the 3rd, I think others have too).
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 2:51 PM MDT up reply actions
So who goes? Obviously we need help on our top two lines, so do we swap Yip and Jones and leave it at that? I’m not convinced that will do it. I don’t see that giving us what we need to be a Cup contender, honestly.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 29, 2010 2:29 PM MDT up reply actions
All in good time. Needless to say though, the Avs don’t have a true #1 LWer. Gali works in small stretches, but he’s better suited to the third line. Yip too. I think Jones could be a second liner but after Hejduk retires.
We’ve seen this coming for a while.. we have a glut of RWs. Honestly, I let Yelle go/retire and play a 4th line of McLeod-Hendricks-Yip, and go out and sign a bona-fide 1st line LWer.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 2:54 PM MDT up reply actions
The answer at LW is right under our orange and blue noses
The question is not “CAN,” but rather “WILL” Tim Tebow play first line LW for the Avs?
Quitter's People United Member #19
"I am a business major in college after all." - Joe Medina on MHR, evidently explaining his rationale for being a know-it-all condescending prick about all things Bronco related.
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 29, 2010 3:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah
Like the guys over at MHR need even more evidence he can walk on water.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 3:02 PM MDT up reply actions
“THIS CLOSE” = arms spread way apart? ;)
Quitter's People United Member #19
"I am a business major in college after all." - Joe Medina on MHR, evidently explaining his rationale for being a know-it-all condescending prick about all things Bronco related.
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 29, 2010 3:07 PM MDT up reply actions
Now you’re doing the Jesus Christ Pose immediately following a Tebow comment?
Thin ice, bud…
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
It’s actually a question of if Lord Jimmy Howard will permit that.
by xskatebakerrx on Apr 29, 2010 11:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Tebow on LW, Dutchy at center and Jimmy howard on the RW on his off days….
Steve Moore’s last act as a hockey player was beating Matt Cooke’s ass, which makes him a great great person.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 30, 2010 12:34 PM MDT up reply actions
Damn, our Corsi would SKYROCKET!
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 30, 2010 12:38 PM MDT up reply actions
yeah
as much as I’d like to have Yeller back, I think you’ve got the right idea. Question tho: Stewie over Jones on the first line? Has he earned it or is this just because we haven’t seen Jones in so long we’ve forgotten what he brought/is capable of?
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 29, 2010 3:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Probably Jones until he gets hurt again, then Stewie…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
What? Don’t look at me like that. Everybody was thinking it…
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
and YOU want to ban ME?
Quitter's People United Member #19
"I am a business major in college after all." - Joe Medina on MHR, evidently explaining his rationale for being a know-it-all condescending prick about all things Bronco related.
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 29, 2010 3:07 PM MDT up reply actions
Did I say something that is unlikely to happen? Jones’ injury-corsi is super high. It’s a good predictor of future returns.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
And now the corsi thing. That is it, ban hammer yourself. Right after ban hammering Jibble. Just because.
Quitter's People United Member #19
"I am a business major in college after all." - Joe Medina on MHR, evidently explaining his rationale for being a know-it-all condescending prick about all things Bronco related.
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 29, 2010 3:11 PM MDT up reply actions
Stewie’s earned it for now. He had a really good season, and I don’t think it was a fluke. Jones is also coming back from ACL, no idea how he’ll return. (In full knowledge of bringing statistics into this: Jones’ shooting percentage was unsustainably high, I’d like to see how he pans out when he reverts to the mean).
Jones-O’Reilly-Galiardi seems like a great 3rd line. All three are great at drawing penalties, getting under skin, and have a scoring touch. O’Reilly needs the linemates to play better.
The Mueller was a pretty good pickup, if he can continue to play as well as he did in the very limited stretch for us. But if he reverts, then the Avs are in serious trouble. I think the avs have to pick up a LW in FA (and maybe even 2)
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 3:09 PM MDT up reply actions
I want to see O’Reilly with better linemates so badly.
by xskatebakerrx on Apr 29, 2010 11:01 PM MDT up reply actions
seconded
poor guy
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 30, 2010 10:20 AM MDT up reply actions
I think he had his best games with Jones, if my memory serves me right.
Steve Moore’s last act as a hockey player was beating Matt Cooke’s ass, which makes him a great great person.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 30, 2010 12:36 PM MDT up reply actions
OK, so who do you like as a LW?
Here’s what Hockeybuzz has as the top (salary wise) UFA LWs:
Player Team Pos Status 2009-10 Salary Points Wins
Kovalchuk, Ilya NJ LW UFA 7,500,000 87 0
Kariya, Paul STL LW UFA 6,000,000 66 0
Frolov, Alexander LA LW UFA 4,000,000 67 0
Kozlov, Vyacheslav ATL LW UFA 3,850,000 41 0
Whitney, Ray CAR LW UFA 3,550,000 61 0
Modin, Fredrik LA LW UFA 3,500,000 12 0
Plekanec, Tomas MON LW UFA 2,750,000 68 0
Torres, Raffi BUF LW UFA 2,750,000 13 0
Tanguay, Alex TB LW UFA 2,500,000 58 0
Holmstrom, Tomas DET LW UFA 2,250,000 40 0
Tkachuk, Keith STL LW UFA 2,150,000 59 0
Fedotenko, Ruslan PIT LW UFA 1,800,000 33 0
Cooke, Matt PIT LW UFA 1,200,000 22 0
Boogaard, Derek MIN LW UFA 1,025,000 0 0
Sim, Jon NYI LW UFA 1,000,000 1 0
To which you’ll get a decided “meh” from me ‘coz I don’t think Kovy did anything but hurt himself (and NJD – teehee Marty Brodeur!) after the deadline this year.
None of the RFAs really make my heart skip a beat either:
Player Team Pos Status 2009-10 Salary Points Wins
Wolski, Wojtek PHO LW RFA* 3,100,000 49 0
Ladd, Andrew CHI LW RFA* 1,650,000 30 0
Upshall, Scottie PHO LW RFA 1,500,000 30 0
MacArthur, Clarke ATL LW RFA 1,400,000 15 0
Paille, Daniel BOS LW RFA* 1,350,000 35 0
Carcillo, Daniel PHI LW RFA* 937,500 24 0
Bergenheim, Sean NYI LW RFA* 925,000 22 0
Brunnstrom, Fabian DAL LW RFA 875,000 0 0
Perron, David STL LW RFA 875,000 27 0
Picard, Alexandre PHO LW RFA 865,700 0 0
Kulemin, Nikolai TOR LW RFA 850,000 0 0
Mcardle, Kenndal FLA LW RFA 850,000 0 0
Pouliot, Benoit MON LW RFA 803,250 3 0
Foligno, Nick OTT LW RFA 785,000 9 0
Nystrom, Eric CGY LW RFA* 775,000 10 0
Raymond, Mason VAN LW RFA 760,000 21 0
Lerg, Bryan EDM LW RFA 737,500 0 0
Neal, James DAL LW RFA 720,000 0 0
Abdelkader, Justin DET LW RFA 710,000 0 0
Lemtyugov, Nikolai STL LW RFA 710,000 0 0
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
I don’t want to COMPLETELY give away a blog post. I tend to do that too much in these comments, I’m trying to make an effort to actually save some of my thoughts for my own blog.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 3:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Besides
I haven’t done all my research on those players yet, so I’m unsure who I want to sign.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 3:14 PM MDT up reply actions
I can dig that. So what do you have to give up to get him?
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
picks and prospects. Chicago can’t take on any salary.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Yip + 2nd…
just throwing it out there.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 3:14 PM MDT up reply actions
Probably not. Yip is a legit NHLer and I think we could pick up Sharp for one of our 637 puckmoving defenseman prospects and a 1st/2nd or so. That allows CHI to totally offload his $3.9M cap hit.
That being said, Yip is one of my very favorites, so….
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Yip is RFA due for a raise (not much, but 1m-2m are still death to Chicago’s cap), so unless Chicago is just going to let him leave or flip him immediately, I don’t think he’d work for them. At this rate, Chicago will be more desperate to move bodies than us needing a LW. If we are going for Sharp or Versteeg, I think the negotiation would be in our favor.
I agree that moving defensive prospects is the way to go. Especially since that’s the area where Chicago is a bit thin.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
I agree that moving defensive prospects is the way to go. Especially since that’s the area where Chicago is a bit thin.
and the Avs are glutenous pigs right now
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 29, 2010 5:16 PM MDT up reply actions
If he can remember his own name, maybe.
I like Booth a lot, but I’m not feign to spend much to get him and make the Avs into a neurological ward (Mueller, Booth, Hejduk, Cumiskey, Wilson….)
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
I’m not feign to spend much to get him and make the Avs into a neurological ward
Yeah, that’s our job!
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 3:46 PM MDT up reply actions
Tanguay, Alex TB LW UFA 2,500,000 58 0
Anyone else fancy seeing this guy back for a Maxim Afinogenov-esque deal?
Might being the operative word.
If he realizes that he has essentially squandered his last few opportunities and is willing to “come home” for say, $1.75M or less on a no more than 2 year deal, OK, I guess.
I am much more intruiged with the prospect of assisting our dear friends in Chicago out of their salary cap woes – and out of Mr. Sharp / Mr. Versteeg.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Sharp. Please. Pleeeaasssse.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by A.J. Haefele on Apr 29, 2010 6:23 PM MDT up reply actions
That video is hilarious! Chicago has some A+ marketing, holy shit. Also, 20 cent is so gross looking, haha.
by xskatebakerrx on May 2, 2010 5:06 AM MDT up reply actions
Yes please.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on May 2, 2010 9:48 AM MDT up reply actions
versteeg is good and very useful, but just a 20g guy offensively, and their fans claim they’ll be getting a 1st + for him (I disagree, but who knows…). especially at that price, Sharp for me. :)
The Gayer, as my brother called him, might not be a terrible fit. certainly it would have to come at a low price, but im not as opposed to it as i was last year. not a bad idea as a bargain top 6 LW, if you really didn’t feel like rolling with Jones or Gally on the top line as a LW.
I don’t disagree with your assessment at all. I think CHI fans are smoking something re: what they can get for Versteeg, who is a distant second in my book to Sharp, so much so that I nearly didn’t include him in the post above. I think one of our puckmovers (Barrie would be my choice, but I like Elliot’s size and grit more than Barrie’s so, fair disclosure) plus our 2nd and maybe LA’s 5th (while keeping our 5th) would be pretty compelling for CHI and would allow them to clear $3.9M from their cap with pretty good return.
Versteeg is a 2nd/3rd liner in CHI and is roughly equivalent (in my mind) to Yip in scoring capacity, but without the willingness to get the ugly goals in the crease. Nice player, but not really an upgrade over Yip, definitely a step behind Jones IMO.
Looking at Tanguay further, I’m much less interested. He was 10-27-37 in 80 games frequently with such SUXXORZ linemates as St. Louis and Lecavalier. Galiardicus was 15-24-39 in 10 fewer games and with, let’s face it, linemates of a “less proven” nature. Advantage – Galiardicus (to speak nothing of the inherently awesome hardnosedness of Gali). Oh, BTW, Gali is 8 years younger and is still on his entry contract. Yeah, no, thanks. Tanger, go peddle that somewhere else.
So, at the end of the day, I’m gonna say that I’ll take my chances either a) trading for Sharp b) Galiardicus c) Jones on the top line LW before I’ll give the Glider another shot here in COL.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
(Procrastinating finals is so much harder when I don’t have good Avs images to photochop!)
by xskatebakerrx on May 2, 2010 8:44 AM MDT up reply actions
It's so obvious
I don’t know how I missed it before.
We HAVE to sign Alexandre Picard, simply for the opportunity to team him with Kevin Shattenkirk…
by fanAVtic on Apr 30, 2010 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
lololol
That would be too awesome for words
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 30, 2010 1:29 PM MDT up reply actions
I LOVE Scottie Upshall, great hard worker like Galiardi. The problem is that we don’t really need a guy like that. I’ve always liked Frolov, and maybe a change of scenary is what the kid needs. Other than that I’m totally game for the Patrick Sharp sweepstakes. He would be a great addition, after drafting McIlrath I would find this offseason to be great.
You know, if we could get Kovy for $9 million, I would not mind that.
He would give us a top line that could compete or outcompete with every other top line in the NHL.
We need wings. He wouldn’t need to be a leader here, and he would be playing with two dynamite playmaking centers. Our system doesn’t have much hope at the wing either.
"If I get run into again, I'm taking someone with me. I lost one knee. I'll take a head if it happens again." - Grant Fuhr
At this point I don’t think Kovalchuk is such a crazy idea. We have around 15m-20m cap space to play with, even with all the RFA signed. Our main holes are in defense, and we have loads of young talent in the system coming up in that area. Kovalchuk’s stay at New Jersey certainly didn’t do his market value any favor. The KHL option doesn’t look so rosy any more after the collapse of Dinamo Moscow showed how bad the financial situation really is in that league. I think he might be looking at 8m-9m right now.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
That story about cutting players’ salaries by 50% for not making it far into the playoffs may turn a lot of guys off to signing in the KHL.
"If I get run into again, I'm taking someone with me. I lost one knee. I'll take a head if it happens again." - Grant Fuhr
I don’t think that I’d be interested in Kovy for anything more than $5.5M/year. That isn’t going to happen, so no thanks.
If we wanted “disappears in the playoffs and is a lockerroom cancer” why did we trade the Baron?
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
I've been thinking
something more like:
Gali-Stats-Stewie
Mueller – Duchene – Hejduk
?? Stoa ?? – Radar – Jones
McLeod – Yelle/Porter/Hendricks/somebody – Yip
Trying to keep all the natural RWs on that side, which is why Yip shows up on the 4th line. I’ve been thinking I wanted to see the Avs sign a LW who might be able to fill that spot on the 3rd line, and allow Stoa to compete for 4th line time. Now, after reading this thread, I’m thinking a 1st or 2nd line LW might be nice if the money’s there, with Galiardicus sliding to the 3rd line with Radar and Jones…
John Sim, he can play LW and fill in anywhere, and he’d be cheap.
Steve Moore’s last act as a hockey player was beating Matt Cooke’s ass, which makes him a great great person.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 30, 2010 12:41 PM MDT up reply actions
This will be unpopular but....
Bring back Clark.
Certainly not for 3.5 mil, but for 2… all the shot blocking he does, and he can play a variety of roles.
Worst case scenario is that he’ll be good trade bait for next season.
As for everyone else… resign Foote and Yelle. Everyone else can go away. Budaj should have been gone last year with the rest of the coaching staff
You're right. It is unpopular
Here’s why I would disagree. He wasn’t good trade bait this year when the pro-rated contract would have cost another team practically nothing. He was scratched for the playoffs, which tells me he’s not needed here. Worst thing is that he’s not getting better. His career path is on the downward end. Shattenkirk is waiting to take his place.
"If I get run into again, I'm taking someone with me. I lost one knee. I'll take a head if it happens again." - Grant Fuhr
why get Clark when there’s a pretty good crop of defensemen on the FA market? I’m not sure the avs need to bring anyone in, but if they do let’s upgrade.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions
Now I have incontrovertible proof that you are a pinko, closet Dead Thing fan.
Clark is the epitome of fail and couldn’t get half a ham sandwich at the deadline this year with an expiring contract. He’s also small and absolutely terrible with the puck.
I can see bringing back Foote as the 7th defenseman / graybeard captain and I’d love to see Yelle back, but I don’t know if re-signing Yelle is worth losing a spot for Hendricks/Stoa/Porter if (and I know that it’s a huge if) everybody is more or less healthy.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by A.J. Haefele on Apr 29, 2010 6:28 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
I wondered how long it’d be before someone said Budaj should be gone, What other NHL backup is as consistently good as him and can put up good numbers even when he doesn’t play for weeks/months. All while never showing any sign of anger or annoyance atnot getting to play. Very few goalies could handle that. And he’s not costing us anything.
The Savage has spoken. Let it be done
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference"
R. Frost
agree
I posted this on another thread, but Budaj is on a list of Top 10 UFA goaltenders, which also includes Nabokov, Turco,Theodore, Rinne, Toskala, Ellis, Mason, Emery, and Hiller (who I think has signed with Anaheim). So, you think any of these guys are going to be a better choice than Budaj? They are more expensive, many are older, injury prone, and will want a starting position.
The Avs could pull up Weiman, but like you said, I don’t think he would do well with sitting on the bench for week/months at a time and then be expected to put up good numbers.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: Now with Playoff Goodness!
Nabokov, Ellis, and Mason are probably all better options for a team looking for a #1 than Budaj. For a backup, Budaj is probably the best option. I can’t imagine Anaheim letting Hiller walk since they traded away Giguere.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 30, 2010 9:34 AM MDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure Anaheim signed Hiller at the end of the season….
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 30, 2010 10:24 AM MDT up reply actions
I think letting Boods walk would be a HORRIBLE idea. The value he gives during practice alone is worth his salary. What many may not know is that he stays around as late as the guys want him to. When Dutchy and O’Reilly were practicing for an hour or whatever after everyone else left in the early part of the season, Budaj stayed with them. How can you put a number on that? What other back up goaltender will you get that will do that? From what the rumor mill has generated, Budaj wants to stay with CO. I say make it happen.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 30, 2010 10:23 AM MDT up reply actions
I agree unreservedly.
Budaj is just about the best thing you could hope for in a backup goaltender. He’s good enough to have had several legitimate shots at a #1 role (and probably got screwed as a result of his deplorable defensive support, but that’s another story), is a blessing to have as a teammate and in the lockerroom and wants (by most accounts) to stay here with this team. He could (given coaching decisions that might be deemed sane) easily do well with a 20 game per year load and is invaluable in his coaching aspects. He’ll also be pretty damned cheap. I say sign him to a 3-4 year deal at $1.5-1.8M per.
For all you doubters, I counter with, “if not Boods, who? If not now, when?”
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
If Sacco doesn’t trust Budaj enough to play him (which may or may not be the case) then I don’t think the avs should keep him. It’s not good for either him or the team.
I’m not sure thats the case, but it’s certainly a possibility.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 30, 2010 10:49 AM MDT up reply actions
I agree that it’s a matter of whether Sacco trusts Budaj, or if Budaj wants to look for other options. I don’t see any team in this league giving him a starting job though.
Personally I agree that Budaj’s as great a backup as you are going to get. “Great” backup goalies are an oxymoron: the really good established goalies want to be starters and wouldn’t be settled with backup duties, while the young promising ones are better off starting games in juniors, college or AHL. Again, the only other viable option I see is Hedberg and maybe Dan Ellis (I think he’s going to get at least a time share job though), and I’d prefer we keep someone who’s familiar with the team system for a role like this.
In the end though, I don’t think this position is that big of a deal. It’d be nice to get someone who could win 8-10 games with a respectable GAA, but don’t look for world-beaters here (unless for some absurd reason you don’t trust Andy).
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
Except you’re going to see Ellis in Philly or Dallas next year. Mark my words.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
What kind of raises are we looking at?
Stewie at around $4 million?
Mueller at around $3 million?
Quincey at about $3.5 … Clark money?
Yip at around $1.5?
Of course, I can’t even get a single number right on my Powerball tickets, so I’m curious to see what you guys think these players will be receiving.
"If I get run into again, I'm taking someone with me. I lost one knee. I'll take a head if it happens again." - Grant Fuhr
I hope not. Stewie at $4M and Quincey at $3.5M would be very high at this point in their careers, imo. Gotta be careful about rewarding guys with big contracts for less than a full season’s worth of production. Otherwise you end up with 6 defensemen earning $3M per year or more, including one who no longer belongs in the NHL and a few others who are marginal.
Quitter's People United Member #19
"I am a business major in college after all." - Joe Medina on MHR, evidently explaining his rationale for being a know-it-all condescending prick about all things Bronco related.
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 29, 2010 2:13 PM MDT up reply actions
Agree. That’s the whole purpose of RFA right. So you can give kids the raises they deserve without having to overpay them?.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 29, 2010 2:55 PM MDT up reply actions
I really have no idea what I’m talking about, and I’m sure I’m being way optimistic here, but here are my guesses.
Stewart should figure to get a good payday, but if Versteeg for $9.25 over 3 years was supposedly caused by Dave Tallon’s bumbling shenanigans, then Stewie shouldn’t go higher, I’d think. Dustin Brown, who is a fairly comparable player in terms of scoring and physicality and is captain to boot, has a 6-year contract worth 3.175 per. With Stewie’s age on top of that, I could see him taking $5.5 million for 2 years or so.
Mueller and Quincey were pretty awful for long stretches of the season, so I’m not sure they could get more than $2 million unless they took the arbitration route, and even then the numbers over a full season aren’t particularly impressive.
Yip’s value is hurt by the fact he scored all of his points playing on Duchene’s line, which he shouldn’t next year unless half the team gets hospitalized again. $1.2 million for a guy who scored 19 points in 32 games last year doesn’t seem unreasonable.
I also have no idea what I’m talking about, that that sounds quite reasonable to me. I think Mueller and Quincey might get even less money if they want to go to arbitration. Especially Mueller. Since arbitration won’t play to their advantage, I’d think the Avs would have more leverage in the negotiation.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
I don’t think Versteeg can be a comparible since with the bumbling of the paperwork he became a different type of FA. I think, but I’m too lazy to look it up.
Steve Moore’s last act as a hockey player was beating Matt Cooke’s ass, which makes him a great great person.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 30, 2010 12:45 PM MDT up reply actions
My guesstimates:
Stewie: 2.5 mil /5-6yr
Mueller: 2 mil /2-3yr
Quincey: 2.5 /2yr? Tough one because of arbitration
Yip: 1.5 /2-3
Dear Colorado Avalanche: Thank you for the excitement, see you in October.
I could dig these,
presuming that we get March 2010 Stewie and not October 2010 Stewie.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
What’s going to be wrong with October 2010 Stewie? ;)
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
Took me a minute, but now I see what you did there, hahaha.
by xskatebakerrx on Apr 29, 2010 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions
Foote: Yeah, I’d like to see him back. I hope he won’t demand too much money, as I’d hate to see the Avs over pay for a 39 year old. But he’s and AV in my mind.
Budaj is a back up goalie. However, it seemed the coaches didn’t trust him at all, and would rather burn up Chris Anderson, before letting Budaj play. I personally wouldn’t mind him back, but if the coaches would be more comfortable, with another goalie as a back up, I guess, it’s no great loss.
the rest, can go. They are roster spot holder replacement level players. Easy to replace, and hopefully upgrade.
note: My hockey knowledge is pretty limited. My opinion is worth about what you paid for it: Nothing.
WOAH WOAH WOAH
Mixing up Chris and Craig Anderson is not cool bro. I will forgive you this time, but next time you might not be so lucky. ;]
by xskatebakerrx on Apr 29, 2010 11:15 PM MDT up reply actions
Hrmmm, that is a likely possibility. However it’s possible that Jimmy Howard is actually both of them. For He is everywhere.
by xskatebakerrx on Apr 29, 2010 11:19 PM MDT up reply actions
My thoughts:
Tucker – For your own damn dignity please retire already.
Svatos – I don’t dislike Svatos but for some reason I just don’t think he’s going to work here. I’d like to see him somewhere he will succeed- whether that be with another NHL team or in the KHL.
Koci – LOL no.
Hendricks – I’d like Hendricks to stay. I think he’s a good 4th line guy and he always seems like he gives a shit which is awesome. He’s not a bad fighter either.
Durno – I don’t know where he’d fit but he looks really, really good warming the bench.
Yelle – I really wonder if he’s going to retire. I think there’s a good chance he got to come back to be able to retire as an Av.
Clark – I’m apathetic about Clark. I don’t think he’s good at much other than shot blocking but I don’t have much knowledge about our upcoming D (from what you guys are saying there seems to be some awesome prospects) and right now I think our D stinks pretty much all over.
Salei – I’ll buy him his ticket to Russia if I have to.
Foote – I really want Foote to retire. Blah blah blah good leadership/ room and board for Dutchy but aside from that I think we need to make room for quality D, which I don’t think he is. His play got better as the season went on but that’s not saying much. I also don’t know who he’d make a good pairing with as he and RR are an epic fail together. I’d like to see the reigns passed to SoS.
Boots – I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’d like him to stick around as our backup. I think he’ll get more play next season as the YGs don’t need to be bailed out as often. When he doesn’t have to play often he’s proven that he can play very well. I won’t be surprised if he doesn’t come back though.
The only viable option I see for cheap backup goalie, other than Budaj, is Johan Hedberg, who was ok this season at Atlanta. The other guys are either looking for starting jobs, or meh.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
I think Budaj is the perfect backup for the Avs, if he still wants to be here. He works hard, doesn’t complain, and does a fine job when given the chance.
Forever grateful that Joe Sakic isn't a douche bag like Brett Favre.
by Rather Dashing on Apr 29, 2010 11:58 PM MDT up reply actions
Foote – I really want Foote to retire. Blah blah blah good leadership
I think Footer should have one more year here. It’s not all about numbers and giveaways. There are many other D men who could technically do a better job than Footer, but don’t underestimate his locker room presence, his grit and determinedness. A few games ago, he was on the bench during a timeout and he grabbed Duchene’s jersey and was geeing him up. Giving him a little pep talk.
When Ballard ran Andy, who was the first player on him, punching his ticket?
Like Lappy, the numbers don’t look great, but I wouldn’t underestimate the worth he brings to the team.
Just my humble opinion :)
It's hard to be a saint in this city
When Ballard ran Andy, who was the first player on him, punching his ticket?
This. That was probably my favorite Footer moment all season.
The fact that his best moment probably came when play was stopped means it’s probably time for him to hang up the skates…
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 30, 2010 1:41 PM MDT up reply actions
+1
Plus, it just looked like he couldn’t keep up with a turtle, and it was painfully obvious in the playoff series. I love Footer…he’s a Colorado legend, but even legends know when it’s time to walk away. I don’t want to see him become Johnny Unitas with the LA Rams.
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
Mission 16W (2010 version): 2 down, 14 to go!
COLORADO AVALANCHE HOCKEY: KEEP DOUBTING US, WE LIKE TO PROVE YOU WRONG!!!!!
If this team doesn’t want to break the bank and thinks galaradi will be on the first line with stewie and SoS all year, then I’d take a look at Jon Sim, he can play and score on the third line and fill in as necessary on other lines and at 32 could be rather cheap (and still get himself a raise) at 1.25-1.75 for 2 or 3 years.
Steve Moore’s last act as a hockey player was beating Matt Cooke’s ass, which makes him a great great person.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 30, 2010 12:52 PM MDT reply actions
I think if we want to sign someone, it should be an impact player that fill a key void, otherwise I’m more inclined to see young players fill these roles and potentially blossom. Sim seems like a stopgap measure or a useful piece for a cup contender. We have, however, several players in that mold that’re younger (Jones, Galiardicus, McLeod, Hendricks, Yip), and maybe a few in the system as well (Mercier looked decent in the few games he played).
If he’s who we end up with though, I could see it working out. I haven’t watched NYI for a long while now though, so I can’t say anything about his play right now.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
I agree entirely,
and would much rather spend 1/2 to 3/4 of that kind of money to re-sign Porter than take a flyer on Sim.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Porter’s potential seems to me (in my limited sample) to be a 3rd/4th liner. Sim could play on the 1st or second if needed.
Steve Moore’s last act as a hockey player was beating Matt Cooke’s ass, which makes him a great great person.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 30, 2010 9:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Well, we don’t really know with Porter, since he played very few games in the NHL so far. Sim’s career, however, is in the downward track. And sure he could fill in the scoring lines, but then again, so could plenty of other guys on our team that looked to be starting the season on a checking line.
Sim has some ability, but have never exceeded 20 goals or 30 points in his career, and is 32. If we really want a veteran scoring winger that’s cheap, we would be better off with, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, Matt Cooke.
On second thought, let’s just go back to developing youngsters.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
Would that you had developed Matt Cooke. Perhaps he wouldn’t have ended up such an ueberdouche!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
So having spent all morning on Behind the Net engaging in that lunacy, I have come away with a kernel of reality that they’d probably never believe I would admit to: there is something to be said for that Corsi shit and we should bring in someone that will help with that. Hear me out.
Yes, there’s more to success than just the numbers. Yes, the Avs are more talented than all “those” people say they are. However, the Avs still spent WAY too much time in their own zone and we all know Andy did way too much work bailing them out. Something has to be done about that.
It’s rebuilding time and the organization is committed to that. That is awesome and I love that they’re not mortgaging the future for an illusion right now. That trend needs to continue.
But here’s the thing: in order for the team to grow in a positive direction, they need to learn good habits. Always being pinned down in their own end won’t lead to good habits. That’s why I think the Avs need to spend some money and get a proven top-tier player who can elevate the team to the next level (and bring that Corsi to the good side of the force, lol) so that they learn how to be a disciplined offensive force.
Who is that player? Fuck if I know. Ya’ll are the experts on that shit.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
or players....
cuz we could use someone on LW and someone(s) …it’s a word, I looked it up…. on D too
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 30, 2010 2:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Who is that player? I know who it isn’t….Clark, Brett. Salei, Ruslan. Foote, Adam. And while we’re at it Hannan looks like a deer in headlights when the puck goes to him, That’s four of 6 defensemen that can’t clear the zone with a pass. That makes it a bit tough to start going the other way. Some of that is on Sacco for not devising a different way to clear the zone too.
Steve Moore’s last act as a hockey player was beating Matt Cooke’s ass, which makes him a great great person.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 30, 2010 8:44 PM MDT up reply actions
I agree that some of that has to be Sacco, and I suppose Sylvain Lefebvre’s responsibility. At any rate, we can safely use past tense when discussing Clark and Salei now, and probably Foote too. I’m not sure who among the FA pile is good in this area though, besides the obvious names like Niedermayer and Gonchar (and, well, you know who). Maybe Hamhuis or Michalek? It really depends on what area we want to address in the end, physicality or puck carrying/clearing ability, since we likely will only have one defensive opening, unless you know of a defender who could do both.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
I really like Hamhuis if the price is right. Nashville produces D-men and goalies, and Hamhuis is a VERY good defensive player.
if the price is right.
I don’t have a good feel for how much FAs are going to cost this season… This is going to be the key to any FA acquisitions.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on May 3, 2010 9:40 AM MDT up reply actions
Anyone have any theories about why Cumiskey fell off in play so much towards the end? Rookie wall? Physical fatigue? Mental fatigue? All of the above? I was really surprised at his performance in the playoffs.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
If I remember correctly, he was the Avs’ minutes leader during the playoffs. So apparently Sacco didn’t think so, but his performance sure wasn’t where any of us would have liked to have seen it.
"If I get run into again, I'm taking someone with me. I lost one knee. I'll take a head if it happens again." - Grant Fuhr
I think that it was a combination of a few factors:
1. His first time in the NHL playoffs, which, regardless of what anyone says re: World Juniors, CHL playoffs, etc., is a whole different animal.
2. some combination of rookie wall/fatigue. His 67 games this year were the most that he’s played since Juniors and Juniors are, well, Juniors.
3. He’s a smaller guy that plays a positional / finesse game. I thought he stepped up well, all things told, to the physical level of the playoffs but the abjectly, monumentally horrible nature of the officiating and the felonious assault perpetrated on him and his teammates by the MUCH larger Sharks without any calls probably got in his head more than any other Av.
4. It seems to me that the coaches/Footer lost confidence in him (which was, IMO, only partially justified). A perfect example of this was SJS goal 3 in Game 6. The Sharks break into the zone during yet another wretchedly bad Avs change and its 2 on 2 with the SJS winger (Setoguchi?) with the puck on RR’s side. Instead of playing the pass, because RR had the puck covered (which he totally did), Footer skates uselessly right behind RR with his hand on RR’s back in some lamebrained attempt to ensure that RR doesn’t get run over by the winger going to the net? In a surprise to nobody but Footer, the winger dishes it to his teammate charging unchallenged down the slot, who roofs it on Andy.
5. I’m not sure that he didn’t get hurt and wasn’t letting on.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
teehee
the abjectly, monumentally horrible nature of the officiating and the felonious assault perpetrated on him
the English teacher is proud and gives you an A.
This is our team: underrated, filled with amazingly talented kids and veteran leaders, both young and old, who are buying into the vision of a hard working, fast moving, never-say-die game. They are the 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche.
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 30, 2010 4:04 PM MDT up reply actions
The non English teacher, and King of the World, thinks you’re an arrogant ass clown and banishes you to detroit, or hell. You’re choice.
The Savage has spoken. Let it be done
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference"
R. Frost
I'll take Hell,
’coz the flight to Oz is too damned long!
I’ll try to keep things to two syllables or less for the Southern Hemisphere crowd.
Tosser (see? Only two syllables)
/Shitty day at work off
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Sometimes I feel like RR gets too caught up in offensive mode. He can take the puck down with lightening speed but once he’s in the other end it seems like he doesn’t really know what he’s doing. I noticed him out of position a lot (well, my fiance noticed it for me and then proceeded to scream WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING CUMISKEY) and being paired with the ridiculously slow Foote didn’t help matters. He and Foote also had a lot of trouble in front of the net, but I think that was more Foote’s problem as he is constantly screening Andy.
by xskatebakerrx on Apr 30, 2010 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions
You know, when someone comes up on free agency and their team makes the playoffs, normally they are sought after free agents but none of these guys had anywhere close to a good year and that speaks volumes about the teams younger players.
Steve Moore’s last act as a hockey player was beating Matt Cooke’s ass, which makes him a great great person.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 30, 2010 9:55 PM MDT reply actions
I would say they were our main problems this season. Tucker and Svatos created black holes on whatever line they ended up on, while Clark, Salei and Foote at times were pylons. Foote brings leadership, whatever that’s worth to you, and I guess Clark’s BS and random bouts of scoring was useful in a few games, but the other guys hurt the team more than their contributions.
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
Jibbled, DAMMIT. Meant to have that up by the Durno Girls.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
Jibbled my Jibble
AAAAHHHhhhh! Time to go home and watch hockey and drink beer.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
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