| 06 April 2009
“Addition by subtraction” is the phrase, I believe. Arnason was easily the worst player on an awful team. He only has 5 goals this season (and one of them against Edmonton simply hit him and bounced in) and re-wrote the book on lazy play. Good luck to whoever signs this guy… (you’re gonna need it!)
4. Wolski is now a center.
When Sakic and Stastny both got hurt long term, and when it become clear that Arnason had no business centering a top six line in the NHL (even on a horrible team), the Avs were basically forced to finally play Wolski at center. What they found was Wolski was a noticeably better player at center. True, he has some room to grow – faceoffs are still a sore spot and he disappeared in too often in too many games, but he now has an offseason to focus on playing center and improve. And he’s pretty good in those shootouts, too.
3. Universally accepted that goaltending has to be addressed. (even by the Avs management!)
Avs management deserves a lot of blame for believing that Budaj could carry the load this season and for not signing a proven veteran NHL goalie who could step in when Budaj faltered. Goaltending issues were so severe that FG (or future GM) now has no choice but to address the goaltending issue this offseason. You can’t win without goaltending in the NHL – (yes, even you Detroit – get ready for an early round loss in the playoffs this season!)
2. A top 3 pick in this year's draft
With 4 games to go, the Avs are just about guaranteed a top 3 pick. Just look at the top 3 three picks over the last 3 seasons.
2008
1 Tampa Bay - Steven Stamkos (76)
2 Los Angeles - Drew Doughty (77)
3 Atlanta - Zach Bogosian (44)
2007
1 Chicago - Patrick Kane (82)
2 Philadelphia - James Van Riemsdyk (0)
3 Phoenix - Kyle Turris (3)
The number next to the name is the number of games each played in the NHL in the season immediately following their draft. All but Van Riemsdyk are playing this season - and Van Riemsdyk isn’t playing in the NHL because he can’t, he is just been getting his education at New Hampshire. Anyway, there is a very good chance this top 3 pick helps us immediately next season.
1. Young talent.
Of course you’ve got the two young centers to build around – Paul Stastny and Wojtek Wolski - but you’ve also got Chris Stewart, David Jones, TJ Galiardi, Cody McLeod, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Ryan Stoa. All are under 25 and are already NHLers or are near locks to be in the NHL over the next couple of seasons. (and unless the Avs draft a goalie, you can add the top 3 pick to this list in June.) This is could be a young core to build around, but these players are also attractive, inexpensive assets that other teams could be looking to add to their team. Remember, to build the dynasty that would be become the Colorado Avalanche, the Nordiques drafted and traded away Eric Lindros, Mats Sundin and Owen Nolan, all before they had hit their prime. Each trade brought back key pieces to the team that dominated for nearly a decade.
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