Following a disastrous 2008/2009 campaign, in which the franchise finished last in the Western Conference, it came as little surprise to see the two time Stanley Cup winners adopt a new approach, one which began to pay dividends much quicker than expected.
Under the guidance of new Head Coach Joe Sacco the Avs made a quick return to the play-offs, largely thanks to a superb start to the season. Although they were eliminated by
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The key re-signing of Kyle Quincey has already been made and Sherman still has more than $20 million to play with as he looks to retain the services of power forward Chris Stewart, who had a break out year scoring a team high 28 goals, as well as deadline day acquisition Peter Mueller, who made a rapid start to his Colorado career before being sidelined with a concussion.
Defensively the team appears pretty much set. Quincey’s return combined with a new 1 year deal for grizzled veteran Adam Foote gives the Avs blue line a solid line up to start the new season with. John Michael Liles continues to be the subject of trade talk periodically, but with blue chip prospects such as Kevin Shattenkirk, Cameron Gaunce and Colby Cohen coming through the system and the development of players such as Kyle Cumiskey and Ryan Wilson, the future seems very bright in the Avs own end.
Likewise the health of the Avalanche forward ranks appears healthy. Paul Stastny may not have worn the ‘C’ last season, but in many ways this is now his team. Still just 24, Stastny seems to have become the natural heir to Joe Sakic as the franchise’s poster boy. An impressive rookie season from 2009 3rd overall pick Matt Duchene, as well as 2009 2nd round pick Ryan O’Reilly making the jump straight from the OHL, leave the Avs with strength down the middle. Czech veteran Milan Hejduk, fresh off the back of his tenth straight 20+ goal season, leads a young group of wingers with potential including re-signing Brandon Yip and TJ Galiardi. The Avs will also welcome back Dave Jones, who missed the final 55 regular season games and 6 play-off encounters with a torn ACL.
While the Avs have just 10 forwards signed currently, it seems likely serious moves to keep both Stewart and Mueller will be made and
In net, it’s more of the same also. Craig Anderson grabbed his first full starting job with both hands and was a big part of the Avalanche team, boasting an impressive .917 save percentage with 7 shut outs during a season where he regularly saw 40+ shots. Slovak puck stopper Peter Budaj returns for a further year and has proven to be a reliable back up in short bursts. Prospect Trevor Caan is being closely monitored, but with both Anderson and Budaj still under 30 there is plenty of time for the franchise to bring Caan through.
Colorado were once known for their big spending and major trade dealings, but a serious shift in attitude both on and off the ice is beginning to pay dividends for the club. A young core is now in place with a number of good prospects in the system gives
Contact the author: rob.mcgregor@prohockeynews.com
