Why the Avalanche Need to Make a Strong Push for Semin
Posted 4:20 AM ET | Comments 3
Hello all,
As it finally turns to open season for UFA hunting, despite the array of recent signings, Colorado still sits with a roster of just 16. So where does Sherman go from here?
The Av's have 8 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goalies signed as of July 1st. There are still a couple notable RFA's who should reach deals like Erik Johnson and Jamie McGinn. With some solid prospects in the system as well, Colorado shouldn't have to dip too far into free agency to fill out the roster this season.
If I were to draw up a rough sketch of the depth chart right now (assuming Johnson and McGinn sign), it would come out as such:
xxx-Stastny-Jones
Landeskog-Duchene-Hejduk
McGinn-xxx-Downie
McLeod-xxx-Kobasew
Johnson-Hejda
Wilson-O'Byrne
O'Brien-Hunwick
With that said, there are a lot of solid players but what the roster lacks is serious firepower. The team got a shot in the arm with Landeskog's explosive energy last year, but with the release of the injury-prone sniper, Peter Mueller, the Avs find themselves without many legitimate goal scorers.
I will admit I have not been a fan of Alexander Semin for a while now. However, every roster has different needs, and in the case of the Avalanche, this is a gamble that is worth taking. With the amount of cap space the Avs have, and the top-line presence that we know Semin possesses; this a risk that Colorado can afford to be wrong on.
To weigh the pros and cons of such a move: Let's assume the Avalanche overpay by a lot of peoples' standards as to what Semin is worth (given his questionable work ethic). I think a lot of people would consider $7 million annual cap hit would be an overpayment. The cons of this backfiring would include being stuck with a hefty contract if Semin chooses not to bring his A game. He could disrupt the chemistry of the locker room if players question how hard he wants to win. Most importantly, he could simply not produce on the ice.
Now to weigh the pros. Semin would fill the LW void on the top line perfectly and bring a much-needed scoring touch to the team. His contract would vault him to the highest paid player on the team. This would also make him the short-term face of the franchise (he will eventually be surpassed by Landeskog methinks), and "the guy" in Colorado. I hate that term. What I mean by it though is not the character or leader of the team, a la Paul Stastny, but the go-to scorer or rockstar who is on the posters and selling jerseys. Not to mention with the Avs $28 million below the cap right now, a decent sized contract might not be the worst thing to have on the books.
Even if he doesn't bring his A game every night, take a look at the roster of the team as it stands. Is there anyone capable of lighting it up on a given night the way Semin could? The very possibility of this will keep fans excited to watch games. What we have right now without Semin is an average roster. This team will compete, but will probably finish the season around 9th or 10th in the West. Now ask yourselves: Isn't this a gamble worth taking?
As it finally turns to open season for UFA hunting, despite the array of recent signings, Colorado still sits with a roster of just 16. So where does Sherman go from here?
The Av's have 8 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goalies signed as of July 1st. There are still a couple notable RFA's who should reach deals like Erik Johnson and Jamie McGinn. With some solid prospects in the system as well, Colorado shouldn't have to dip too far into free agency to fill out the roster this season.
If I were to draw up a rough sketch of the depth chart right now (assuming Johnson and McGinn sign), it would come out as such:
xxx-Stastny-Jones
Landeskog-Duchene-Hejduk
McGinn-xxx-Downie
McLeod-xxx-Kobasew
Johnson-Hejda
Wilson-O'Byrne
O'Brien-Hunwick
With that said, there are a lot of solid players but what the roster lacks is serious firepower. The team got a shot in the arm with Landeskog's explosive energy last year, but with the release of the injury-prone sniper, Peter Mueller, the Avs find themselves without many legitimate goal scorers.
I will admit I have not been a fan of Alexander Semin for a while now. However, every roster has different needs, and in the case of the Avalanche, this is a gamble that is worth taking. With the amount of cap space the Avs have, and the top-line presence that we know Semin possesses; this a risk that Colorado can afford to be wrong on.
To weigh the pros and cons of such a move: Let's assume the Avalanche overpay by a lot of peoples' standards as to what Semin is worth (given his questionable work ethic). I think a lot of people would consider $7 million annual cap hit would be an overpayment. The cons of this backfiring would include being stuck with a hefty contract if Semin chooses not to bring his A game. He could disrupt the chemistry of the locker room if players question how hard he wants to win. Most importantly, he could simply not produce on the ice.
Now to weigh the pros. Semin would fill the LW void on the top line perfectly and bring a much-needed scoring touch to the team. His contract would vault him to the highest paid player on the team. This would also make him the short-term face of the franchise (he will eventually be surpassed by Landeskog methinks), and "the guy" in Colorado. I hate that term. What I mean by it though is not the character or leader of the team, a la Paul Stastny, but the go-to scorer or rockstar who is on the posters and selling jerseys. Not to mention with the Avs $28 million below the cap right now, a decent sized contract might not be the worst thing to have on the books.
Even if he doesn't bring his A game every night, take a look at the roster of the team as it stands. Is there anyone capable of lighting it up on a given night the way Semin could? The very possibility of this will keep fans excited to watch games. What we have right now without Semin is an average roster. This team will compete, but will probably finish the season around 9th or 10th in the West. Now ask yourselves: Isn't this a gamble worth taking?
I'd plug in O'Reilly into that 3rd line center spot, there's no way he doesn't resign. Agree on Semin though, should be a few hours before we find out how this all turns out.
Thanks for the feedback
i would have liked to have seen this happen, but with the signing of PA it doesnt look like its going to happen. They have tons of D men now though with those signings, and a bunch of teams have said they need defense, so perhaps a trade is brewing.