NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Andrew Raycroft, G (Signed as a free agent after having his contract bought out by the Toronto Maple Leafs)
Daniel Tjarnqvist, D (Signed as a free agent, previously playing in Europe)
Darcy Tucker, RW (Signed as a free agent after having his contract bought out by the Toronto Maple Leafs)
Brian Willsie, RW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Los Angeles Kings)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Johnny Boychuk, D (Traded to the Boston Bruins)
Andrew Brunette, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Wild)
Jeff Finger, D (Signed as a free agent with the Toronto Maple Leafs)
Peter Forsberg, C (Unsigned Free Agent, Injured)
Jaroslav Hlinka, C (Signed with Linkoping HC of the Swedish Elite League)
Brad Richardson, C (Traded to the Los Angeles Kings)
Kurt Sauer, D (Signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes)
Jose Theodore, G (Signed as a free agent with the Washington Capitals)
2007-08 Season Finish: 2nd Northwest Division, 6th Western Conference, 95 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Won 4-2 against Minnesota Wild in Quarterfinals
Lost 4-0 to Detroit Red Wings in Semi-Finals
2008-09 Prediction: 2nd Northwest Division, 6th Western Conference
While the Colorado Avalanche lost several key players from last season's team, it should not hurt the team's chances of returning to the playoffs this season, provided they don't suffer as many injuries as they did during last year's playoffs. The Avalanche did lose a little bit of offensive production with the departures of Andrew Brunette via free agency and Peter Forsberg to injury and free agency, but they still have plenty of producers on their offense. Joe Sakic, who recently signed a one-year contract to remain with the Avalanche, still brings a wealth of offense to the team despite his age and plenty of leadership. Ryan Smyth also brings lots of offensive production and leadership to the team. Paul Stastny is quickly emerging as an offensive force on Colorado's top forward lines, and could likely become the team's new franchise player. Wojtek Wolski is also emerging as a capable forward for the Avalanche as a top-six forward. Despite limited numbers over the past few seasons due to knee injuries, Milan Hejduk still provides the team with a lot of depth on offense. Tyler Arnason, Marek Svatos, Ian Laperriere, Ben Guite, Cody McLeod, and newcomer Darcy Tucker all bring lots of toughness and gritty play to Colorado's checking lines, while Tucker and Laperriere also provide valuable leadership to the team. Brian Willsie and Scott Parker will likely provide forward depth on Colorado's 4th line along with emerging talent T.J. Hensick. However, these three could face competition from prospects T.J. Galiardi and Chris Stewart at training camp. While Colorado could benefit by adding an experienced scorer to their offense, they could get that wish by December when Peter Forsberg reassesses his ankle.
The Avalanche suffered the loss of some defensive depth on their blueline with the departures of Jeff Finger and Kurt Sauer via free agency, but they still possess a wealth of talented defensemen. John-Michael Liles brings lots of offense to the team's defense, while Adam Foote brings toughness and, like many other players on the team, leadership. Provided he can stay healthy, Jordan Leopold can bring plenty of depth to Colorado's defense, as well as veteran Ruslan Salei. Brett Clark provides a mixture of offense and physical play, while Scott Hannan brings toughness and grittiness. Daniel Tjarnqvist, who played last season in Sweden, will likely bring defensive depth to Colorado's 3rd defensive pairing. He will likely face competition from prospects Kyle Cumiskey, Ray Macias, Nigel Williams, and Kevin Shattenkirk at training camp, though it's likely most of these youngsters will be sent to the minors to further develop their skills.
Colorado's goaltending took a bit of a hit with the departure of Jose Theodore, who improved his game last season from 2006-07. To replace him, the Avalanche signed struggling goaltender Andrew Raycroft, who hasn't had a decent season since he won rookie-of-the-year honors in 2004. He will likely be the backup to Peter Budaj, who appeared set to take over the starting role early last season until Theodore stepped up his play. Colorado doesn't possess a lot of goaltending experience, and should Budaj or Raycroft falter next season, they may look to trade for an experienced, veteran goaltender.
STRENGTHS
- Lots of leadership on the team.
- Possess very talented prospects on offense.
WEAKNESSES
- Could use another top-six forward.
- Shaky goaltending.
- Have a few too many players that are highly susceptible to injury.
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