Rick Sadowski: Prospects gain playoff experience

Suck it Jero!!!!!!!!!

The summer of 2017 could be a trans-formative time for the Avalanche. The to do list is lengthy and it all starts with the draft lottery.

1. Win the Draft Lottery
2. Sign Will Butcher
3. Trade Matt Duchene for a package that includes a first round pick, a defensive prospect named Chabot, Sergechev or McAvoy, plus a roster player.
4. If Number One happens Draft Nolan Patrick to replace the traded Duchene
5. Buyout or trade Francois Beauchemin and then.....
6. Create an expansion protected list that would expose Colborne, Soderberg and Varlamov. Try to move more dollars off the roster.
7. Search the CHL, NCAA and KHL for free agents like a Spencer Foo who offer some upside and would add depth to the bottom six or bottom pairing for the NHL/AHL roster

If item 1, 2 and 6 go poorly it will make for a much longer retooling period.

Suck it Jero!!!!!!!!!
- DDM-Coga

(frank)IN RIGHTS!!!

(frank)IN RIGHTS!!!
- SRam19

The summer of 2017 could be a trans-formative time for the Avalanche. The to do list is lengthy and it all starts with the draft lottery.

1. Win the Draft Lottery
2. Sign Will Butcher
3. Trade Matt Duchene for a package that includes a first round pick, a defensive prospect named Chabot, Sergechev or McAvoy, plus a roster player.
4. If Number One happens Draft Nolan Patrick to replace the traded Duchene
5. Buyout or trade Francois Beauchemin and then.....
6. Create an expansion protected list that would expose Colborne, Soderberg and Varlamov. Try to move more dollars off the roster.
7. Search the CHL, NCAA and KHL for free agents like a Spencer Foo who offer some upside and would add depth to the bottom six or bottom pairing for the NHL/AHL roster

If item 1, 2 and 6 go poorly it will make for a much longer retooling period.
- dstal89756

My HOT HOT HOT Takes.

1. Yes, Avs need to win this draft.
2. Meh, dont really care about Butcher, he isnt a make our break prospect for this team. Good year for him but hes going to be an AHL guy
3. Hanifin man...get to know the guy bc hes coming our way
4. Even if Duchene isnt traded, still draft Patrick at 1, take BPA wherever they are
5. Beauch is gone, he has to be if this team has any shot of being respectable.
6. Varly is being protected, and I agree with that
7. Not a lot of big buzz in the undrafted FA market, a nice to have happen but Avs just need to draft and trade smart this offseason to fill some AHL depth issues

Suck it Jero!!!!!!!!!
- DDM-Coga

YEEEESSSSSS!!!!!

Suck it Coga! haha I'm a new member on HockeyBuzz, but I follow this site since 2008.

About the Avalanche, if I was a betting man I would say there is 75 to 80% of chances to see Duchene be traded this summer. Do you agree with me Coga?

Suck it Coga! haha I'm a new member on HockeyBuzz, but I follow this site since 2008.

About the Avalanche, if I was a betting man I would say there is 70 to 75% of chances to see Duchene be traded this summer.
- batman8990

Hi Jero

Hi Jero
- smellmyfinger

Hi smellmyfinger I clicked on the black flag button accidently sorry I'm new here and not comfortable yet. I hope you won't be angry.

Hi smellmyfinger I clicked on the black flag button accidently sorry I'm new here and not comfortable yet. I hope you won't be angry.
- batman8990

Smelly forgives all

My HOT HOT HOT Takes.

1. Yes, Avs need to win this draft.
2. Meh, dont really care about Butcher, he isnt a make our break prospect for this team. Good year for him but hes going to be an AHL guy
3. Hanifin man...get to know the guy bc hes coming our way
4. Even if Duchene isnt traded, still draft Patrick at 1, take BPA wherever they are
5. Beauch is gone, he has to be if this team has any shot of being respectable.
6. Varly is being protected, and I agree with that
7. Not a lot of big buzz in the undrafted FA market, a nice to have happen but Avs just need to draft and trade smart this offseason to fill some AHL depth issues
- DDM-Coga

The importance of a Butcher and other prospects acquired through non-drafted free agency is asset collection. I don't believe a Butcher or anyone of that ilk is a make or break prospect but for a team with such an abysmal record collecting assets should be a priority. Developing a winning culture at both the NHL and AHL level is important along with creating competition for jobs. Again something that has been lacking in Colorado.
I was a proponent of the Varlamov trade at the time, although an offer sheet would have made more sense and been less costly in assets. Nonetheless, I am of the opinion that because of his contract and injury history Vegas would pass on him. Without Beauchemin on the roster, my focus would be constructing an exposed list of contracts that the Avalanche would love to lose. Talent wise Varlamov is the best goalie on the roster but I would risk exposing him. Exposing Pickard is a higher risk of losing an asset for nothing. Vegas could look at Pickard as their third goalie and simply pick him up based on his affordable contract. With Darling and a few other names available in free agency I would take a chance on exposing Varlamov.
Hanifin is an interesting name. Why are you convinced that he is the target for Sakic? His ELC expires after the 17-18 season, the Avs will have the cap space but that Barrie contract........... Who else would be a part of that trade package?

The importance of a Butcher and other prospects acquired through non-drafted free agency is asset collection. I don't believe a Butcher or anyone of that ilk is a make or break prospect but for a team with such an abysmal record collecting assets should be a priority. Developing a winning culture at both the NHL and AHL level is important along with creating competition for jobs. Again something that has been lacking in Colorado.
I was a proponent of the Varlamov trade at the time, although an offer sheet would have made more sense and been less costly in assets. Nonetheless, I am of the opinion that because of his contract and injury history Vegas would pass on him. Without Beauchemin on the roster, my focus would be constructing an exposed list of contracts that the Avalanche would love to lose. Talent wise Varlamov is the best goalie on the roster but I would risk exposing him. Exposing Pickard is a higher risk of losing an asset for nothing. Vegas could look at Pickard as their third goalie and simply pick him up based on his affordable contract. With Darling and a few other names available in free agency I would take a chance on exposing Varlamov.
Hanifin is an interesting name. Why are you convinced that he is the target for Sakic? His ELC expires after the 17-18 season, the Avs will have the cap space but that Barrie contract........... Who else would be a part of that trade package?
- dstal89756

I won't lose any sleep if they can't sign butcher. They will trade his rights if he doesnt. I just don't think Butcher is anything to get hot and bothered about this offseason. Hes a nice to have in the system but I just don't think hes some sort of Missing piece that will be part of the Avs Dcore anytime soon

BSN already said they have info that Avs are protecting Varly so again we are ride or die with him next season. He is coming off his surgeries, lets see what he ca do finally being healthy the first time in 2 years.

Friedman said that he has heard Hanifins name out there, only if Canes can get a legit Top line guy back. Avs and Canes were talking at the deadline, one of the teams with the most interest. Its a match b/w the 2 teams in terms of trade partners. They have what eahother wants. I don't think anyone is part of it...1 for 1 since its a risk for both sides. Its the simple move, no one would say one or another is getting robbed. It just works

Can we please figure out a Barrie for Drouin trade? Or a Barrie for Palat?

Barrie should play for the lightning next year.

Can we please figure out a Barrie for Drouin trade? Or a Barrie for Palat?

Barrie should play for the lightning next year.
- Bob2119

Barrie for Palat? You tell me where to sign!

The summer of 2017 could be a trans-formative time for the Avalanche. The to do list is lengthy and it all starts with the draft lottery.

1. Win the Draft Lottery
2. Sign Will Butcher
3. Trade Matt Duchene for a package that includes a first round pick, a defensive prospect named Chabot, Sergechev or McAvoy, plus a roster player.
4. If Number One happens Draft Nolan Patrick to replace the traded Duchene
5. Buyout or trade Francois Beauchemin and then.....
6. Create an expansion protected list that would expose Colborne, Soderberg and Varlamov. Try to move more dollars off the roster.
7. Search the CHL, NCAA and KHL for free agents like a Spencer Foo who offer some upside and would add depth to the bottom six or bottom pairing for the NHL/AHL roster

If item 1, 2 and 6 go poorly it will make for a much longer retooling period.
- dstal89756

Agreed with pretty much everything except #3

Can we please figure out a Barrie for Drouin trade? Or a Barrie for Palat?

Barrie should play for the lightning next year.
- Bob2119

I would agree...I flip flop back and forth b/w should they look at moving EJ or Barrie to the lightning.

EJ makes sense to get out of his contract (which really wont be an issue until 3-4 years down the line)

Barrie makes sense since without an EJ in the line up to shelter him, he gets smashed.

Whatever happens this offseason, im all for making the worse on paper now to gain the assets to be much much better off in the future

A great point, the Barrie contract and the results that Barrie provide are totally in-congruent. EJ reminds me a lot of Dion Phaneuf, high expectations as a number one defenseman but the reality is he needs to be the number two guy. Look at how Jay Bouwmeester has been a solid player for St Louis as he rides shotgun to Alex Pietrangelo.

Duchene needs to stay. I understand it is unlikely at this point, but I definitely don't see the Avs getting full value for him. Give the kid some damn wingers! (This is assuming he isn't a locker room cancer and really no one knows what's going on in there, but something wasn't right this year)

The Avs need EJ at least for another year or 2. We can't replace all 6 D in 1 offseason and he is by far our best defenseman.

I'd love to see Barrie get moved for a quality winger or solid top 4 defender with more upside on the defensive side of the puck.

A great point, the Barrie contract and the results that Barrie provide are totally in-congruent. EJ reminds me a lot of Dion Phaneuf, high expectations as a number one defenseman but the reality is he needs to be the number two guy. Look at how Jay Bouwmeester has been a solid player for St Louis as he rides shotgun to Alex Pietrangelo.
- dstal89756

Bouwmeester is solid. I remember being quite upset when St. Louis snagged him. Like it or not EJ is our #1 guy and even if Avs nab a solid dman this offseason, that player likely won't be a #1 for a few years at best given the age bracket they are looking to acquire.

I would agree...I flip flop back and forth b/w should they look at moving EJ or Barrie to the lightning.

EJ makes sense to get out of his contract (which really wont be an issue until 3-4 years down the line)

Barrie makes sense since without an EJ in the line up to shelter him, he gets smashed.

Whatever happens this offseason, im all for making the worse on paper now to gain the assets to be much much better off in the future
- DDM-Coga

I could see EJ a 2nd and a 3rd for Drouin.

Would be an amazing trade.

I could see EJ a 2nd and a 3rd for Drouin.

Would be an amazing trade.
- SRam19

As much as I would love Drouin I cannot justify trading our best defenseman for him. On any other team, EJ is a #2, #3 or #4 but he's the best dman we have. It would do much damage to an already thin D corps.

As much as I would love Drouin I cannot justify trading our best defenseman for him. On any other team, EJ is a #2, #3 or #4 but he's the best dman we have. It would do much damage to an already thin D corps.
- Avsrchamps01

Fine, Duchene for Drouin and a 2nd.

As much as I would love Drouin I cannot justify trading our best defenseman for him. On any other team, EJ is a #2, #3 or #4 but he's the best dman we have. It would do much damage to an already thin D corps.
- Avsrchamps01

I think Barrie or EJ will be moved in the right deal. Both are super important and talented players. But if you can trade 2 guys that are 26 and older in Duchene and Barrie/EJ and are able to bring in 20 year olds in Hanifin, Drouin, and with the top pick this year.

really adds to the youth movement, loading up and looking brighter in 2 yearse from now

Duchene needs to stay. I understand it is unlikely at this point, but I definitely don't see the Avs getting full value for him. Give the kid some damn wingers! (This is assuming he isn't a locker room cancer and really no one knows what's going on in there, but something wasn't right this year)

The Avs need EJ at least for another year or 2. We can't replace all 6 D in 1 offseason and he is by far our best defenseman.

I'd love to see Barrie get moved for a quality winger or solid top 4 defender with more upside on the defensive side of the puck.
- avsfaninmn

I just dont see any logical reason to keeping Duchene. I love him as a player, and would hate to see him move. But his time is over in Colorado. I dont see any point keeping onto him and struggling to build a blue line from scratch.

Duchene just seems like he needs a fresh start. I dont really buy the winger issue anymore. He had Landeskog, Rantanen, Compher, Jost for 30 some games after the deadline and still he seemed defeated.

Love the guy, he was one of the all time great Avs, but he needs to move on and so do the Avs. Its MacKinnon/Jost/Compher down the middle from no one and keeping duchene just to play Wing doesnt make sense to me. He needs to be a C.