Colorado Avalanche continue to grow
The Colorado Avalanche were part of a massive power shift in the Western Conferencelast year, which saw teams such as the Phoenix Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings rise to prominence. Basing most of their success on youth, the Avalanche will continue to grow in 2010-11.
General manager Doug Sherman has done a good job putting together a young competitive team just a two years after finishing last in the Western Conference. The Avalanche will continue to develop next season and should find themselves in an improved position by next years post-season.
Roster changes
For the most part Sherman stayed away from the trade market this off-season, only acquiring Daniel Winnik from the Coyotes at the end of June. Similarly Sherman also stayed away from the free agent market, electing to stand-pat with his young side.
The Avalanche suffered minor loses through free agency, parting ways with Brett Clark and Brian Willsie.
Forward
The Avalanche have endless potential upfront, with a group of youngsters that should only improve after experiencing a full National Hockey League season.
The first line will house recognizable names, with Paul Stastny centring veteran Milan Hejduk, and possibly youngster Peter Mueller. The second line will belong to centre Matt Duchene, who will be flanked by 2009-10 standouts Chris Stewart, and T.J. Galiardi. Keeping with youth, the third group will have Ryan O’Reilly at the helm, surrounded by Brandon Yip, and Cody McCleod. The fourth line meanwhile will be made up of tough guys Winnik, and David Koci, along with one of Ryan Porter or Ryan Stoa.
Defence
At the backend, the Avalanche have a fine balance of veteran depth and young potential.
The first group is likely to be made up of long time Avalanche John-Michael Liles, and Scott Hannan. The second unit will have offensive standouts Kyle Quincy, and Kyle Cumiskey, while the third shutdown pair will be veteran Adam Foote, and Ryan Wilson.
Goalie
Last season Craig Anderson surprised everyone, emerging as one of the Western Conferences best goaltenders. The 29-year-old faced more shots, and made more saves than any other tender in the league in 2009-10.
Last season Anderson started 71 games, and is expected to equal if not surpass that total in 2010-11. Peter Budaj will slot in as the team’s back-up, and is likely to see limited action.
Can the Avalanche improve on last season?
Upfront the Avalanche are bursting will young talent. Players like Yip, who did not play full season last year, are ready to get their first full NHL campaign under their belt, while sophomore players such as Duchene, O’Reilly and Galiardi will be experienced and ready to go for 2010-11.
On the backend, the mix of veteran leadership, and young potential is near perfect, Cumiskey and Quincey showed that they are reliable offensive threats from the blue line and will be eager for puck drop in October.
In net it all comes down to the continued success of Anderson. Coming off of a career year, Anderson will have to remain solid throughout the duration of the 2010-11 campaign if the Avalanche hope to improve on last season. If Anderson starts to flutter, Budaj is not exactly a reliable replacement.
The Avalanche are capable of big things next season. As they have improved their Northwest Division counterparts have regressed. Teams such as, the Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames should be easy wins for the Avalanche next year, something that was not true in 2009-10.
If the Avalanche’s youth continues to improve and impresses, they should climb in the Western Conference. Expect the Avalanche to challenge for sixth spot. However, they will still have trouble in the post-season, as the youngsters still needed to garner more play-off experience before a Cup.
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