Avalanche Roster Reduced to 27

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 2, 2011 12:08 PM MDT in Avalanche News & Notes

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 25: Krys Barch #13 of the Dallas Stars and Patrick Bordeleau #58 of the Colorado Avalanche give their teammates on the bench a front row seat as they fight in the second period at the Pepsi Center on September 25, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Avalanche announced 4 more cuts today, bringing the roster down to 27. We already knew that G Trevor Cann was one (he played for Lake Erie yesterday). Also getting cut were forwards Patrick Bordeleau and Brad Malone and defenseman Tyson Barrie. Barrie and Malone both had a strong showing this fall but were facing tough odds to supplant a veteran to make the roster. The Avs have more moves to make to get down to the 23-man active roster limit by opening night. We don't know for sure, but if we had to guess the Avs will get down to 23 by reassigning Stefan Elliott and Mark Olver and placing Kyle Cumiskey and Brandon Yip on the IR. [Update: apparently Mark Olver is injured as well]

Goalies

Things are settled here and went exactly as anticipated. Semyon Varlamov and J.S. Giguere go into opening night as the two roster goalies.

#		Age	Ht	Wt	NHL Exp	AHL Exp	2011?	Waivers?	1-way?
1	Semyon Varlamov	23	6'2	209	59	33	NHL / AHL		Yes
35	J.S. Giguere	34	6'1	202	525	134	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes

	Cuts
60	Sami Aittokallio	19	6'1	174	0	0	Finland
64	Calvin Pickard	19	6'1	195	0	0	WHL
30	Cedrick Desjardins	26	6'0	192	2	116	Lake Erie	Yes
31	Trevor Cann	22	5'11	199	0	20	Lake Erie

Defense

There are currently 9 defensemen on the roster. This includes Kyle Cumiskey who has had a somewhat curious camp. After playing in the Burgundy & White game, he seemed to disappear. It was reported that he wasn't injured, and then it was reported that he had a groin injury. The Avs probably need to reduce the roster by 2 here. My prediction: Cumiskey to IR and Elliott to Lake Erie.

#	LD	Age	Ht	Wt		NHL Exp	AHL Exp	2011?	Waivers?	1-way?
8	Jan Hejda	33	6'4	237	L	341	5	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
27	Kyle Quincey	26	6'2	207	L	185	201	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
5	Shane O'Brien	28	6'3	230	L	379	214	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
44	Ryan Wilson	24	6'1	207	L	128	71	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
22	Matt Hunwick	26	5'11	190	L	215	58	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
10	Kyle Cumiskey	26	5'10	185	L	132	96	NHL / AHL	Yes

	Cuts
63	Stephen Silas	19	6'1	183	L	0	0	OHL
61	Gabriel Beaupre	18	6'2	195	L	0	0	QMJHL
59	Dillon Donnelly	18	6'2	193	L	0	0	QMJHL
2	Joel Chouinard	21	6'1	186	L	0	35	Lake Erie
4	David Liffiton	27	6'2	210	L	7	266	Lake Erie	Yes
25	Duncan Siemens	18	6'3	200	L	0	0	WHL
24	Cameron Gaunce	21	6'1	203	L	11	61	NHL / AHL


#	RD	Age	Ht	Wt		NHL Exp	AHL Exp	2011?	Waivers?	1-way?
6	Erik Johnson	23	6'4	232	R	225	1	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
3	Ryan O'Byrne	27	6'5	234	R	192	118	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
46	Stefan Elliott	20	6'1	190	R	0	0	NHL / AHL


	Cuts
57	Mike Brennan	25	6'0	205	R	0	208	Lake Erie
62	Troy Rutkowski	19	6'2	208	R	0	0	WHL
36	Jonas Holos	24	5'11	196	R	39	17	Lake Erie
41	Tyson Barrie	20	5'10	190	R	0	0	Lake Erie

Forwards

Brandon Yip will probably start the season on IR, which resolves one of the two cuts here. Mark Olver is probably the other cut

#	Left Wing	Age	Ht	Wt		NHL Exp	AHL Exp	2011?	Waivers?	1-way?
88	Peter Mueller	23	6'2	204	R	222	0	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
39	T.J. Galiardi	23	6'2	190	L	116	67	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
92	Gabriel Landeskog	18	6'1	204	L	0	0	NHL / OHL
28	Joakim Lindstrom	28	6'0	187	L	81	200	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
55	Cody McLeod	27	6'2	210	L	273	133	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
40	Mark Olver	23	5'10	170	L	18	64	NHL / AHL

	Cuts
15	Zach Cohen	24	6'3	208	L	0	73	Lake Erie
43	Justin Mercier	24	5'11	190	L	9	144	Lake Erie
11	Patrick Rissmiller	33	6'4	225	L	192	474	Lake Erie	Yes
29	Ryan Stoa	24	6'3	200	L	37	102	Lake Erie
58	Patrick Bordeleau	25	6'6	225	L	0	147	Lake Erie	Yes
42	Brad Malone	22	6'2	207	L	0	0	Lake Erie


#	Center	Age	Ht	Wt		NHL Exp	AHL Exp	2011?	Waivers?	1-way?
26	Paul Stastny	25	6'0	205		348	0	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
9	Matt Duchene	20	5'11	200	L	161	0	NHL / AHL	Yes
37	Ryan O'Reilly	20	6'0	200	L	155	0	NHL / AHL	Yes
16	Jay McClement	28	6'1	205	L	473	159	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes

	Cuts
38	Joey Hishon	20	5'10	170	L	0	0	Lake Erie
14	Mike Carman	23	6'0	180	L	0	79	Lake Erie
67	Garrett Muers	18	5'11	169	R	0	0	OHL
47	Evan Brophey	25	6'2	199	L	1	299	Lake Erie	Yes


#	Right Wing	Age	Ht	Wt		NHL Exp	AHL Exp	2011?	Waivers?	1-way?
23	Milan Hejduk	35	6'0	190	R	910	0	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
54	David Jones	27	6'2	210	R	167	45	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
34	Dan Winnik	26	6'2	210	L	282	78	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
17	Chuck Kobasew	29	6'0	190	R	473	127	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
12	Kevin Porter	25	6'0	190	L	128	98	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes
18	Brandon Yip	26	6'1	195	R	109	6	NHL / AHL	Yes	Yes

	Cuts
20	Greg Mauldin	29	5'11	195	R	36	406	Lake Erie	Yes
7	David van der Gulik	28	5'10	173	L	12	345	Lake Erie	Yes
45	Luke Walker	21	6'1	174	R	0	75	Lake Erie

Tweet Comment 79 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Why keep Elliott now just to cut him this week if there are no games?

A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.

by c6hor8 on Oct 2, 2011 12:16 PM MDT via iPhone app reply actions

Practice, practice, practice… (with the big boys of course)

I’m sure he’s not staying in LE for very long. Once he’s given clear instructions on what he can do to improve his game, he’ll go back to Cleveland and polish things for a month or so.

I'm such a huge fan of the Avs I can name who our goalie was FOUR seasons ago! Crazy, right?!

by Guitarpick8120 on Oct 2, 2011 12:26 PM MDT up reply actions

Bq. Polish things for month

We don’t need any more Wolsking around.

A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.

by c6hor8 on Oct 2, 2011 12:31 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Of note

I accidentally clicked the link for “Brandon Yip” and it crashed my phone. The dude is a disaster even in hyperlink form.

A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.

by c6hor8 on Oct 2, 2011 12:29 PM MDT via mobile reply actions

I hate him

My Johnson is better than your Johnson.

by wolski-08 on Oct 2, 2011 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Hate is a pretty strong word

by Uncle Richie on Oct 2, 2011 12:45 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

So is jibble.

We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.

by Bob in Boulder on Oct 2, 2011 12:46 PM MDT up reply actions

If Kevin Porter were sent down I would be so happy right now

"Put stick on ice, put puck in net"

by HeyPeterman on Oct 2, 2011 12:48 PM MDT reply actions

Nope

Waivers. He’s a fine utility player. He was part of the Wolski deal. He’s better as trade bait then in LE c

A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.

by c6hor8 on Oct 2, 2011 12:53 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

I get the waivers thing. I just don’t like Porter __

"Put stick on ice, put puck in net"

by HeyPeterman on Oct 2, 2011 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions

What?!?

Porter is going to lead me to fantasy hockey glory!

Colorado College Hockey, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies fan to the death.
"If you can't accept losing, You can't win." -Vince Lombardi

by Lost Winter on Oct 2, 2011 1:37 PM MDT up reply actions

Do it

It's all about the O'

by SteveHouse on Oct 2, 2011 12:53 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

I'm such a huge fan of the Avs I can name who our goalie was FOUR seasons ago! Crazy, right?!

by Guitarpick8120 on Oct 2, 2011 1:50 PM MDT up reply actions

If I could say shitballs to the principal

It's all about the O'

by SteveHouse on Oct 2, 2011 2:26 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Porter has a bad rap here but he’s a good hockey player. He scored 14 goals and can fill in if needed on 2nd line, play pp etc.

by the cool breeze on Oct 4, 2011 1:37 PM MDT up reply actions

Well, not like I expected both Barrie or Elliot to make it…here’s hoping one of them does end up on the roster…

Elliot is better looking of the two. What…we’re all thinking that!

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Oct 2, 2011 1:00 PM MDT reply actions

This team sucks.

i2 died, I'm his replacement.

by Tony Trujillo on Oct 2, 2011 1:28 PM MDT reply actions

Maybe.

We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.

by Bob in Boulder on Oct 2, 2011 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions

Expect some trades.

I have a feeling that the Avs want to start the season to see whe the holes are before pulling off another block buster trade. I really don’t think anyone is safe on the roster (except for the goalies… for now).

Colorado College Hockey, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies fan to the death.
"If you can't accept losing, You can't win." -Vince Lombardi

by Lost Winter on Oct 2, 2011 1:31 PM MDT reply actions

Eno$ won’t be under$old! Remember, we are constrained above the $alary floor.

We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.

by Bob in Boulder on Oct 2, 2011 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions

Oh Hell

If we need to get to cap floor, Owen Nolan is floating around still. Give him X amount of $ so we can continue to hump the floor.

Colorado College Hockey, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies fan to the death.
"If you can't accept losing, You can't win." -Vince Lombardi

by Lost Winter on Oct 2, 2011 1:39 PM MDT up reply actions

What could we be trying to fill though that will be noticeable after a couple weeks though?

Our biggest needs were a number 1 D man and a number 1 goalie. We have our number 1 center. And if those things pan out (even if they don’t this year, you can’t panic a few weeks into the seasons after making such a huge commitment). Maybe acquiring a top 6 winger.

That’s the only thing I see that might become an issue.

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Oct 2, 2011 1:45 PM MDT up reply actions

UPGRADES

they still need a clear cut “top 6 winger” and “top 4 D” so either someone steps up and shows they can be one consistently or they go and pursue one. I can’t see Sherman being as cautious and picking his spots, with trades, like he has in the past if there is a definite hole somewhere.

Languishing for Landeskog

by zandar on Oct 2, 2011 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions

Well… in all honesty i think the fact that Elliott is a right hander could help him make the team now-ish

LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is

by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 2, 2011 1:36 PM MDT reply actions

Funny that it was the reverse situation last season with so many right handed defensemen causing Holos being the odd man out.

by c0nquistad0rian on Oct 2, 2011 1:42 PM MDT up reply actions

So the team’s practicing speciality teams…

Why the hell is this a PP unit:

Hejduk – O’Reilly – Lindstrom
Elliott – Kobasew

Quincey wasn’t killing penalties…so why is Kobasew on the point.

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Oct 2, 2011 1:50 PM MDT reply actions

Its a trick play. The other teams wont know what the hell is going on. Mass confusion will ensue! Brilliant !!!!

by spokane-avs-fan on Oct 2, 2011 1:52 PM MDT up reply actions

Pull the goalie and throw Olver in front of the net

I'm such a huge fan of the Avs I can name who our goalie was FOUR seasons ago! Crazy, right?!

by Guitarpick8120 on Oct 2, 2011 2:00 PM MDT up reply actions

Only wondered there if Chambers mixed up Kobasew (#17) and Porter (#12). But you’re right, that doesn’t explain Quincey’s absence from the PP.

by DiD on Oct 2, 2011 3:15 PM MDT up reply actions

Kobasew has earned PP time this preseason. why not see what he can do?

LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is

by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 2, 2011 4:08 PM MDT up reply actions

Has he really earned on the point? I haven’t exactly seen a game yet, but I don’t think most forwards ever belong on the point. Mueller and others like him are a rare exception. I don’t even really like Porter playing the point.

Our Johnson is bigger and better than LA's Johnson so suck it.

by cush52 on Oct 3, 2011 8:10 AM MDT up reply actions

Relieved to see that Jay “Square Peg” McClement held off that challenge from Brad Malone and the Imaginary Awesomeness of Joey Hishon for a roster spot.

by DiD on Oct 2, 2011 3:13 PM MDT reply actions

Do you need a hug?

Paul: Nothing is beautiful and true.
C6hor8: Well I think you are beautiful and true.

by Paul X on Oct 2, 2011 3:28 PM MDT up reply actions

Are you offering?

by DiD on Oct 2, 2011 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions

If it helps.

Paul: Nothing is beautiful and true.
C6hor8: Well I think you are beautiful and true.

by Paul X on Oct 2, 2011 3:44 PM MDT up reply actions

.6 of a romantic needy Dan.

A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.

by c6hor8 on Oct 2, 2011 3:46 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

I’ve got popcorn

I need a drink, please.

Note: I tend to be light-hearted and sarcastic about everything and forget that other people can occasionally take something seriously.

by MalachiConstant on Oct 2, 2011 9:00 PM MDT up reply actions

I like Jay, well I dont dislike him. He is somewhat valuable because he doesnt hurt the team, but on the other hand doesnt help to much. Great for a 4th liner though. Im still not convinced McCleod even deserves a roster spot though, he seems to hurt the team much more than helps. If he can limit his stupid penalties and makes sure he draws the same amount he dishes out, then I will shut my mouth.

Oct. 8... is it here yet?

by avsfanatic33 on Oct 2, 2011 3:42 PM MDT up reply actions

McLeod ^^^^

"To all the critiques, thank you for the motivation… because it has been an edge for me and will continue to be an edge for me" - Timmy Tebow

by David G. Little on Oct 2, 2011 5:21 PM MDT up reply actions

toughness

They have to have someone to drop the gloves and other than maybe one of the D-men, he’s the only forward we have willing to do that. McCleod can at least skate (see Koci) so I like him in that 4th line role.

by the cool breeze on Oct 3, 2011 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions

Yay McLeod

"To all the critiques, thank you for the motivation… because it has been an edge for me and will continue to be an edge for me" - Timmy Tebow

by David G. Little on Oct 2, 2011 5:21 PM MDT reply actions

Dater on why Barrie was sent down

Latest blog post seems to hint at things other than just playing ability. Unfortunately, he only hints at it, and I can’t read between the lines to figure out what he’s saying.

Because there is still a lot of politics in hockey, a lot of prejudging and dues paying – and the waiver rules make it easier to send guys down like him.
Tyson Barrie, despite an excellent training camp and preseason performance, was sent down to Lake Erie of the AHL today, along with Brad Malone, Patrick Bordeleau and (officially) Trevor Cann.

I’m not sure – is he saying this applies in Barrie’s case? Because he then points out that Barrie can get sent down without having to clear waivers, and that the Avs are trying to get bigger, which both seem like legitimate, logical explanations why Barrie’s in LEM instead of with the Avs. Then he says that Elliott has “favored son” status with the coaching staff, so now I’m completely confused. Does he think Barrie outplayed Elliott in camp but the coaches like Elliott better for some non-playing reason? Why does he think Elliott is the favored son?

by DiD on Oct 2, 2011 5:33 PM MDT reply actions

I think you are reading way too much into that. I don’t think he’s saying there’s any negative intangibles with Barrie at all. He’s just saying that there’s some pre-determined roster spots in the preseason – it’s not just the 23 players who play the best getting the jobs. If so, Barrie and Malone would still be here.

Not a big deal, really. They will both be back soon

I am the most humble blogger of all time

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 2, 2011 5:41 PM MDT up reply actions

Yeah, you’re probably right. I’m just dying for the season to start so when there’s any piece of news, no matter how big or small, I feel the need to dissect it to see if there’s any particular meaning. This offseason has seemed really, really long.

I feel like a Kremlinologist trying to read between the lines of Putin’s annual Q&A with the people.

by DiD on Oct 2, 2011 6:48 PM MDT up reply actions

If I were to read anything in to that little part of the story it would be that you have guys like Hunwick or maybe Wilson that can’t be sent down without the possibility of losing them versus a Barrie who can be sent down with out waivers. I just think he didn’t want to mention specific names. Probably the same thing with a couple of forwards as well.

It would be cooler if you felt like a Gremlinologist, either the car or the little monsters that come from the fuzzy little guys.

Our Johnson is bigger and better than LA's Johnson so suck it.

by cush52 on Oct 3, 2011 8:16 AM MDT up reply actions

What I read into it is Dater is a worthless shitbag and trying to make it look like he has inside info on whats going through management’s minds and is trying to start a controversy.

by NEB on Oct 3, 2011 9:39 AM MDT up reply actions

Wow, did someone piss in your Wheaties this morning?

The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge

by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 3, 2011 11:20 AM MDT up reply actions

The short version is yes, someone did. Then also puked and spit into them too.

by NEB on Oct 3, 2011 3:46 PM MDT up reply actions

agreed

Plus, as I’ve stated in days past even if Elliot stays it’s as 6th (or in press box as 7th D) so he will only get limited minutes anyway. He may just play on PP, etc. too. Also, EJ will log 25 minutes a game so the 5-6 pair I would imagine is looking at 15 minutes a game tops. Per DDC’s comments above about them being back you have to think they are looking to move a couple guys at forward who are basically role players and duplicates. I don’t see how Porter, Mcclement, Yip, Olver, etc. can all stick around. It would be nice to pick up a few picks or possibly a tough PF in a trade.

by the cool breeze on Oct 3, 2011 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions

Elliott provides offensive upside that Barrie doesn’t at the moment.

Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings

by Muzia on Oct 2, 2011 5:41 PM MDT up reply actions

Barrie wasn’t a slouch at scoring though. His wrister is pretty…. or, at least, it sounds nice.

Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.

by andidee15 on Oct 2, 2011 5:45 PM MDT up reply actions

He doesn’t have Elliott’s explosive moves or speed.

Barrie is more rounded at the moment, but Elliott has extremely high offensive upside that’s NHL-ready right now. If he makes the roster, he’ll have to be protected.

Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings

by Muzia on Oct 2, 2011 5:49 PM MDT up reply actions

Pair Elliot with ROB or SOB. That should be good enough protection

Mission 48.3 Accomplished!

by patrit19 on Oct 2, 2011 7:18 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

He means protected by being only utilized in O-zone starts and against 3rd and 4th lines.

If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 2, 2011 7:27 PM MDT up reply actions

You’re both wrong! He means put him on birth control!

Paul: Nothing is beautiful and true.
C6hor8: Well I think you are beautiful and true.

by Paul X on Oct 2, 2011 7:28 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rec’d for making me giggle.

Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.

by andidee15 on Oct 2, 2011 7:37 PM MDT up reply actions

Sigh, if only they had male birth control, outside of condoms and the always infalliable pull and pray method. I would love a shot I could take and then not have to worry about getting some one pregnant for 3 months.

Our Johnson is bigger and better than LA's Johnson so suck it.

by cush52 on Oct 3, 2011 8:19 AM MDT up reply actions

It’s a lot easier to control one big cell than a bazillion little ones, unfortunately, or I’d be right there with you.

by Andy_ on Oct 3, 2011 12:16 PM MDT up reply actions

exactly

by the cool breeze on Oct 3, 2011 1:11 PM MDT up reply actions

I expect EJ and Hejda to chew up huge minutes. That leaves precious few for a 6th defensemen. Elliott coming in as a 6th is a bad idea I believe. If that happens and he’s getting 3 minutes of PP time a game and another 6-7 minutes of ES play, then Barrie playing down in LE with 15-20 min a game could very well surpass Elliott in his development. Now if they put Elliott on the second pairing he will certainly need to show his moxy in his own end with some of these lines in the NHL. Young D are tough to break in to the NHL right out of juniors, very tough.

I'll keep this brief.

by Dario on Oct 2, 2011 7:57 PM MDT reply actions

Sacco said in his post-practice interview today that Bordeleau had a good preseason and didn’t hurt his chances of being called up as a depth player. When you listen to it, it almost sounds like he said “death player”…

by earl06 on Oct 2, 2011 8:07 PM MDT reply actions

Well, Bordy’s definitely that too.

Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.

by andidee15 on Oct 2, 2011 9:32 PM MDT up reply actions

Heads up -

According to Dater, the reason Olvie’s still around is he’s hurt. Again. He’s listed as out “indefinitely” with a head injury (knowing Olver and the Avalanche, I’m guessing concussion), so he’ll start the year on the IR as well.

Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.

by andidee15 on Oct 2, 2011 9:34 PM MDT reply actions

I liked Olver when he was called up last season, he actually showed some passion about hockey that the team forgot about last year. But that being said, there’s no apparent reason to have him on the team right now. To bad he’s injured though, hopefully he makes it for opening night for LE.

Oct. 8... is it here yet?

by avsfanatic33 on Oct 2, 2011 11:23 PM MDT up reply actions

If Olver is on IR does that mean Elliott is likely sticking around?

I need a drink, please.

Note: I tend to be light-hearted and sarcastic about everything and forget that other people can occasionally take something seriously.

by MalachiConstant on Oct 3, 2011 7:43 AM MDT up reply actions

We’re still looking at 8 defensemen on the roster.

Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings

by Muzia on Oct 3, 2011 8:03 AM MDT up reply actions

Ah, right. Thanks. It does seem really unlikely Elliott will beat out Hunwick for a regular spot (and definitely not RoB, SoB, or anyone else). Just perplexed why Elliott hasn’t been sent down already.

I need a drink, please.

Note: I tend to be light-hearted and sarcastic about everything and forget that other people can occasionally take something seriously.

by MalachiConstant on Oct 3, 2011 9:02 AM MDT up reply actions

Gaining experience. It’s not like he’s been a liability out there, so why not?

The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge

by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 3, 2011 11:20 AM MDT up reply actions

But will he play come the regular season? Is he just destined for a short window and then back down to keep his rookie status?

I need a drink, please.

Note: I tend to be light-hearted and sarcastic about everything and forget that other people can occasionally take something seriously.

by MalachiConstant on Oct 3, 2011 12:17 PM MDT up reply actions

I suspect it will be similar to Shattenkirk…without the trade.

The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge

by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 3, 2011 2:39 PM MDT up reply actions

I agree

I think they will keep 8 D b/c they are trying to see what they have before they make a decision and they need to see these guys in real games to determine that. I honestly can’t imagine Elliot is any worse at D than Cumiskey, Hunwick or Holos so I’m not sure everybody isn’t underestimating him on defense a bit. He was +62 last year (Barrie +4 with lots of points also) so I wouldn’t say that’s horrible, albeit in jr.

by the cool breeze on Oct 3, 2011 1:16 PM MDT up reply actions

by my count the Avs still have 2 to cut (Yip and Olver on IR, gets us to 25 and a roster holds 23 total right?) So 2 more need cut right?

And who are those 2? My guess is Elliot & Cumiskey. Although I could see the Avs putting a surprise (like Galiardi) on there.

Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 3, 2011 3:33 PM MDT reply actions

I think Cumiskey’s hurt, too, so maybe just 1 cut? Wouldn’t mind seeing what Elliott can do up here, but I understand if the coaches want to give him a look in LEM. The team that hits the ice on Saturday likely won’t be the team that wraps up the season. You’re going to see injuries and surprises. I don’t think that Elliott starting in the minors is a bad thing at all.

by DiD on Oct 3, 2011 4:32 PM MDT up reply actions

Yeah I agree. Shattenkirk started in LE last season and then had a great rookie season. I think it’s fine if he starts there. I didn’t realize Cumiskey was hurt though.

Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 3, 2011 4:54 PM MDT up reply actions

Pulled groin. Skating in an orange jersey right now.

The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge

by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 3, 2011 4:57 PM MDT up reply actions

I think there are one of two ways the Avs can go on this:

1. Give Elliott a shot right now. He’s a stud, let him practice and play with the big boys and see what he can do.

2. Send Elliott down, evaluate the power play after the first week or two of the season (until their hand is forced with players coming off IR), and then go from there. A year in the minors won’t kill Elliott. If our PP is clicking without him, then it’ll only do him good to get pro experience.

Having these guys on IR only postpones what could be considered difficult decisions, i.e., we might lose some players who we’ve gotten used to seeing the past couple of years (although I’m past the point of needing to see Brandon Yip play more in order to evaluate him, and same thing with Mark Olver – he was OK in his role last season, but I don’t think he really needs to be playing for us). Porter’s a candidate to be gone, too, and I’m not sure Lindstrom is a lock.

I don’t think there’s room for both Hunwick and Cumiskey on the roster. Unless the front office thinks that Cumiskey has great potential, then I think he’s gone. For that matter, they could both be gone. I don’t think Ryan Wilson is 100 percent safe, either.

Some of this, of course, might be subject to who can be claimed off waivers and who can’t. Wish I knew more about the whole waiver process and who we might lose, but when James Mirtle writes this…

@mirtle
James Mirtle
There’s not a really easy way to determine who needs re-entry waivers, but several of those Leafs waived won’t require them to come back up.
6 hours ago via TweetDeck

…it doesn’t make me optimistic that it’s something that’s easily understood.

I think they’ll choose option #2 to start the season, then evaluate things very closely from there.

by DiD on Oct 3, 2011 5:19 PM MDT up reply actions

I see a lot of parallels between Elliot and Shattenkirk’s situation. I haven’t seen Elliot yet, but I get the sense Shattenkirk was a little more NHL ready (he was already one of the Avs best passers when he was brought up).

The biggest difference I see between Shattenkirk and Elliot is nothing to do with either of them. I think it’s vital for the Avs to get off to the best start possible this year to try and wash last season away. (Pop-psych alert) If they get off to a slow start the chances that there could be a big letdown of “here we go again” is a lot higher. For that reason I think the Avs will be conservative with Elliot not bringing him up until the Avs can afford to have someone making rookie mistakes.

Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 3, 2011 6:24 PM MDT up reply actions

quick and dirty method

the guys with the “yes” in the waivers column above have to clear waivers to go down. they can be claimed by any team, and that team pays their full salary.

the guys with a “yes” in the 1-year salary column have to clear regular waivers on the way down and re-entry waivers (where the Avs pay half the salary) on the way back up. Hunwick and Porter, for example, would need to clear re-entry waivers on the way back up from Lake Erie. Cumiskey would not.

I am the most humble blogger of all time

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 3, 2011 7:08 PM MDT up reply actions