You were the one to start the "fist" thing like 20 years ago to get around Fark's word filter? Dang, internet royalty!
But no, the current Avs roster is not better on paper than the one that won the division. Nothing you have now comes close to what Statsny & O'Reilly provided up front. Even if EJ, who has missed nearly half the season 3 of the last 5 years, is healthy, and Varlamov, who was bad when he was playing, are both healthy, a significant improvement from the Avs still has them as the worst team in the division. It's a little shocking Sakic didn't go for a hard reset this offseason, honestly. Avs are 3 top 6 forwards and 2 top 4 defensemen short of being competitive.
- Antilles
Maybe no one has directly said it, but Colorado is rebuilding again. It's a little different because of the younger pieces they already have, but never the less.
What I don't understand is why they get talked about as if there was even a remote chance of a shakeup that would result in a competitive team. Colorado should be viewed again similar to after Buffalo & Toronto did their sell off prior to picking Matthews and Eichel. While you can't tank for a specific player anymore, Colorado is absolutely tanking for a top four pick in a deep draft this year by going full youth.
They haven't added any veteran players, and as many as three of the top six spots on their defense will be filled by guys who are still considered prospects. Barberio is their #4 right now, but it won't be automatically his if someone like Bigras or Mironov out play him in camp. Then you have Lindholm who played very well in a short stint at the end of last year also. Those names, and the absence of a backup plan should tell you something.
Then at the forward ranks add in a reclamation project like Yakupov that is automatically slotted for a top 9 slot, and two rookie centers (Jost & Compher) who are likely going to be the #2 and #3 (with Sodaberg as the #4 still in Bendar's dog house).
They are clearly tanking in the way Toronto did by using the season to gain experience for certain young players, and hoping for another potential franchise altering pick to go with Makar (Who was impressive at the WJSS btw).
I just don't understand the mantra that the Avs should have done anything other than trade Duchene by now, and even then that trade is likely to bring futures even if it includes a young defender with some NHL experience.
