2015-16 Colorado Avalanche Year-End Review: Brandon Gormley

Brandon Gormley was acquired from the Arizona Coyotes right before training camp in swap of similar issues for Stephan Elliott. After a tentatively decent start, Gormley never broke through to get consistent minutes on the 3rd pairing. On the other side of the swap, Stephan Elliott played here-and-there in Phoenix before eventually becoming mixed up in the PED-user-for-NHL-All-Star-Headache three-way trade along with Jarred Tinordi & John Scott, landing in the Nashvegas organization. Both fellows ended up playing more in the AHL than NHL and have uncertain futures. Safe to say neither club or player benefited much, but that's life.

Despite a strong career in the QMJHL and a promising start in the AHL, Gormley's game still hasn't developed to NHL levels. It also appears to be regressing heavily. After putting up just a single point with the Avs in 26 games, he could only manage 6 points in 39 games in San Antonio. Previously he had been a consistent half-point per game guy in the AHL. Even more disturbing was the complete lack of defensive ability displayed with the Rampage. To be perfectly blunt, his turnovers and blown coverages lost games, angered goaltenders and was a significant part of the 2-month malaise SA went through soon after his arrival. By no means was he the sole reason for the Rampage issues but he was more of a problem than a solution.

I would be shocked if either the Avs or Gormley were interested in continuing this relationship. At his age there's little room left for development and despite showing ability to make good outlet passes, his below average speed and strength give him few chances to do so. The Avs are building their defense around strong skaters that have at least some offensive prowess so he doesn't look like a good fit at this point.

What say you, dear reader?