07-08 RECORD: 44-31-7 95 pointsDIVISION: 2nd
CONFERENCE: 6th
RESULT: Lost in 2nd round.
OFF-SEASON:
ARRIVALS: RW Darcy Tucker(TOR), LW Per Ledin(EUR), RW Brian Willsie(LA), C Wyatt Smith(MIN), D Daniel Tjarnqvist(EUR), G Andrew Raycroft(TOR)
DEPARTURES: RW Andrew Brunette, D Jeff Finger, D Kurt Sauer, G Jose Theodore
The Avalanche took alot of risks with their moves they made the in the off-season. The old is the new, new for the Avs. They re-hired Tony Granato as their new head coach and signed two castaways from the Leafs. After they lost Jose Theodore to the Capitals, the Avalanche had to fill the void. From all the goaltenders available which certainly wasn't the greatest list to choose from, the Avs went with probably the worst available. The Avs signed Leaf castoff Andrew Raycroft to a one year deal who had looked nothing more than a minor league goaltender the last couple of seasons. The Avs also took a chance on RW Darcy Tucker who lost his scoring touch last season. If Tucker is put with the right players he will regain his 20 goal form without a problem. He brings some extra toughness up front too. For the second straight season the Avs brought in a no name from Europe. Per Ledin will look to make more of a impact than Jaroslav Hlinka. The summer did end off on a good note after captain Joe Sakic announced that he will play another season.
CAP HIT: 51.5 million
FORWARDS:
My Projected Lines:
1- R.SMYTH-J.SAKIC-W.WOLSKI
2- M.SVATOS-P.STASTNY-M.HEDJUK
3- D.JONES-T-J.HENSICK-D.TUCKER
4- I.LAPIERRE-B.GUITE-C.McLEOD
E- P.LEDIN-T.ARNASON-B.WILLSIE
With Sakic coming back, it gives the Avs yet another scoring option but more importantly their captain who is so important to the franchise. Who knows what the Avs will be like without 'Burnaby Joe' but we will have to wait for that for at least another year. Ryan Smyth has to bounce back after just a mediocre season after signing that big contract the summer before. Wojtek Wolski will get the chance to play on the top line and has the talent to do it. Wolski has the potential to be a 30 goal man. Peter Stastny continued to make strides last season and is a bona fide second line center. Milan Hedjuk yet aging is still capable of scoring 25 goals. Wolski and Stastny will have to take even another step forward this season cause Hedjuk and Sakic aren't getting any younger. The battle for the 3rd line center will be a fierce one between T-J Hensick and Tyler Arnason. Hensick played well at times last season and looks to be the better option for the Avs with Sakic's career coming to and end. Hensick will be sheltered behind Sakic and Stastny and will be on a line with Tucker and young David Jones. Ian Lapierre is one of the better agitators in the league and Cody McLeod brings the toughness.
DEFENSE:
My Projected Pairings:
1- S.HANNAN-J-M.LILES
2- R.SALEI-A.FOOTE
3- J.LEOPOLD-B.CLARK
E- D.TJARNQVIST-K.COMISKEY
The defense is going to have to be better than ever with all the question marks surrounding the Avs goaltending. John Michael Liles was re-signed to a contract extension in the summer and will once again be looked to QB the PP. Scott Hannan and Adam Foote are the veterans of the group and are both good stay at home defensemen. Ruslan Salei was a nice pick-up at the deadline last year and is probably the Avs best all-around defensemen. Jordan Leopold is consistency injured but when healthy has the potential to be a top 4 defensemen. Brett Clark is returning after a injured plagued season and will be a nice addition with his puck moving ability. Daniel Tjarnqvist was brought back from Europe to add some depth.
GOALIES:
1- P.BUDAJ
2- A.RAYCROFT
3- M.WALL
So the Northwest division showcases starting goalies, Luongo, Kiprusoff, Backstrom, Garon and Budaj/Raycroft. Who doesnt fit in? The Avs are in big trouble in the crease. Budaj was just an ok back-up last season and like I said before Raycroft has looked nothing better than and AHL goaltender. With this goaltending duo the Avs will have to be very good defensively. Lucky Salei, Hannan and Foote are some of the best shot blockers in the league.
OVERALL:
With Raycroft and Budaj, the Avalanche aren't going anywhere too quickly. Foote, Hannan and Salei can only block so many shots. The Avs will have no problem scoring goals with Sakic and co. but will have to start to plan life without 'Burnaby Joe'. Stastny is capable of being a number one center but young guys like Hensick and Wolski will have to take their game to the next level. The Avs will loose alot of high scoring games and if the goaltending struggles that bad, maybe they can audition Hannan, Foote or Salei as their starting goaltender.
Prediction: 5th Division, 12th Conference
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