NHL Season Preview: Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche


Last Season standings: record- 43-30-9 for 95 points. The Avalanche finished 2nd in the Northwest Division, 7th in the Western Conference.

In: Jordin Leopold D (via trade w/ Calgary Flames); Tyler Arnason F (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Sergei Samsanov F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Matt Murley F (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Peter Budaj G; Cody McCormick F; Ben Guite F (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Mark Rycroft F (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); Ken Klee D (prev. team: New Jersey Devils); Brett McLean F; Marek Svatos F; Kris Mayotte G;

Out: Rob Blake D (new team: LA Kings); Dan Hinote F (new team: St. Louis Blues); Alex Tanguay F (via trade w/ Calgary Flames); Bob Bougner D; Paul Healey F; Frantisek Sklandany F; Tomas Slovak D; Mikki Viitanen D

Season Outlook: Good. The Avalanche are going to be relying heavily on their longest-serving member, captain Joe Sakic. He's been their Most Valuable Player for the last 16 years. Also, Jose Theodore must bounce back from his defeat in the Playoffs and prove he's truly over his broken heel. The loss of Alex Tanguay will hurt and Milan Hejduk will have to fill the scoring void. This line-up is going to be a very veteran one being comprised mainly of players who are 30 or older. Leopold was a strong edition to the defense. Wojtek Wolski will be looking to make a stromg case for more games. He definitely needs more experience under his belt. Scoring depth and goaltending are the main issues for the Avs heading into the season.

Season Prediction: The Avs will take 3rd spot in the Northwest Division and the 8th and final Playoff Spot.