| 05 March 2009
Now that the trade deadline is over, barring any unexpected trades during the offseason and / or even more unlikely contract buyouts, it is pretty clear that the same defense corps that has struggled so much this season will be the playing next year for the Avs. Foote, Liles, Hannan, Salei and Clark are all under contract through at least next season. And all are overpaid (each one is making $3M+), based on their play this season.
This is a group who collectively:
- play average (at best) defense
- can't get shots through from the point
- lack a bomb from the point
- have trouble holding pucks in at one blueline
- turn pucks over with frequency at the other blueline.
- combined + / - this season is -51.
My guess is that Giguere would have liked blow up the group a little more at the deadline, but the Avs picked the wrong season to tank. In previous seasons, it would have been easier to move a player who was a little overpaid and had a year left in his deal to a contender looking to load up for a Cup run. But the economic uncertainly around league handcuffed many GMs as owners were unwilling to take on an expensive asset, even if for only next season. Result: we were only able to move 1 / 6 of the lackluster 08 - 09 Avs defense, Jordan Leopold, not because his play was any better than anyone else in the group, but largely because he was only making $1.5M and he is a UFA after this season concludes.
"So, what can FG do?" Well, the Avs need to add a big, mean defenseman, preferably with a hard shot. Jay Bouwmeester (Florida) would be at the top of the list, but he will be heavily sought off after and very expensive - translation: not very likely that he will be playing in Colorado next year. (Remember, we will need to add a decent goaltender through Free Agency as well). There are other options though, including Michael Komisarek -- a list of all 2009 UFAs is here.
"What about our prospects?" According to THN's "Future Watch" here are Dmen that made the Avs top 10 prospects:
1. Kevin Shattenkirk, D, Boston University (HE) (29)
3. Cameron Gaunce, D, Mississauga (OHL) (75)
5. Nigel Williams, D, Lake Erie (AHL)
6. Colby Cohen, D, Boston University (HE)
Notice that the only player currently in the AHL is Nigel Williams. He would be the most likely of this group to crack the lineup. HockeysFuture.com says this: "Williams possesses a big 6'4 225 lb frame. He has unusually good puck-handling and skating skills for a player of his size."
Could Shattenkirk, Gaunce or Cohen crack the lineup? Sure, anything's possible, but I wouldn't consider it likely even their ages and experience levels.
Other Lake Erie guys like Kyle Cuminsky, Ryan Wilson and Wes O'Neill could also play, but would be unlikely to significantly help this group improve.
"What about the draft?" If we take a Dman with our 1st pick, it wouldn't be inconceivable to have the pick play right away, but it would take a VERY special talent to do this right away - again,. not likely.
Bottom line: If FG is fired during the 2009 or 2010 calendar years, you can point to the contracts he's given Foote, Liles, Hannan and Clark as the primary reason.
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