obe24

Minneapolis, MN • United States • 31 Years Old • Male

Avs Win, Little Solace

The Avs were able to win an entertaining game against Calgary last night, but it means little after the disaster that has been the previous 8 games. The Avs have won only 2 of their last 9 games, 7 of those were at home. It's tempting to look at the standings right now, see the Avs only 4 pts behind three teams tied in the 6 thru 8 spots, and think that the Avs are right back in this thing. But the Wild and Oilers have two games in hand on the Avs, while the Stars have three. The reality is that the Avs need to go on a pretty serious run to get back in the playoff picture. This 8 game homestand was supposed to be the time to make that run. The Avs have squandered this chance and now they face a daunting gauntlet of road games. After the conclusion of their current homestand tomorrow against Dallas, 10 of their next 12 games are on the road, including a six game Eastern Conference road swing at the end of the month.

I suppose a true kool-aid drinker could be convinced that getting out on the road will be a plus at this point, and that the Avs play well against the Eastern Conference, so there's reason to hope. While anything is possible, there's just nothing in their recent play to indicate any major upswing is forthcoming. I mean, should we throw a party because last night the Avs finally did not allow a power play goal? Budaj still let in a softie (Iginla's wrister from beyond the circle). Speaking of soft, the defense still looks that way without Foote. Hannan was embarrassed again. The offense looked better, but to say it has been incosistent lately is being too kind.

No, don't let these two points fool you, this team is not making the playoffs unless they string together a lengthy winning streak. I am still holding out hope, but I am also seriously thinking about who could be moved before the deadline.

I still believe that the organizational depth of the Avalanche is at the blue line. Sure the Avs should trade away as much garbage as they can, but collecting some third and fourth round draft picks are not going to alter the direction of this franchise. So yes, if you can get a bag of pucks for Arnason, by all means, do the deal. But a major deal should involve an Avs d-man as the headliner.

Leopold is a UFA at the end of this season. I like Leo. He's the closest thing they have to a true PP QB, and those guys are hard to come by. He's shown that he can stay healthy and play pretty well. If FG can resign him in the $2.5 mill per year range for say 3 years, then he should do it. Otherwise, Leo must be dealt. It would be absolutely ridiculous to let an asset walk for nothing when the team isn't even in the playoffs. The Avs wouldn't get a whole lot for him though I don't think.

I would prefer they sign Leo and trade either Clark or Salei. Both are making more money, but they are also signed thru the end of next season, and they are not being grossly overpaid like Scott Hannan. There has been speculation that a young forward would need to be included. If anyone, I would part with Svatos and/or the 2010 1st round pick. The Avs will have a rare high draft pick this year; they shouldn't even think about giving it up. Hell they might have a shot at the #1 or #2 pick if they keep this up.

The priorities should be -
#1. A franchise goaltender
#2. An elite young forward

There is a good base of talent in the Avalanche org. Even "just" adding an elite goalie would put the Avs back in the hunt for the Cup next season in my opinion. That should be their focus.

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