NHL Draft + Future Outlooks

With the 2nd pick in the 2011 NHL draft, the Colorado Avalanche select LW Gabriel Landeskog of the Kitchener Rangers (born in Sweden). Landeskog possesses everything that the Avs need and more, leadership, size and speed all in one. Landeskog has spent the past 2 years in North America, serving as the captain of Kitchener. What makes Landeskog so special is that he isn't afraid to get in the dirty areas of the rink, a real two-way hockey player. The analysts at TSN call him the "Swedish Mike Richards" and that's an interesting comparison considering Richards was also a former Kitchener Ranger's Captain. The Avalanche paid a serious price in acquiring Erik Johnson this season, losing power forward Chris Stewart and rising defence Kevin Shattenkirk. The trade has paid dividends for both teams with draft picks as well, with the Avs getting the Blues 11th overall pick, selecting Duncan Siemens from the Saskatoon Blades. Siemens is a rock-solid defence who provides size for a smaller defence group. It is clear that the Avs front office wanted to address their size issues, and Landeskog/Siemens both are excellent step towards fixing it. Siemens is also the d partner of Avalanche top prospect Stefan Elliot, raining WHL Defence of the year. There is a good chance that Elliot, along with the previous WHL Defence of the year (Kelowna Rocket's) Tyson Barrie will crack the Avs lineup next season, and I would be absolutely shocked if Landeskog didn't make the team. Siemens is very young still, and might benefit with one more year in Saskatoon, but he may also be ready to take the next step into the NHL. With a wave of young prospects, the Avs have several more issues to address including dealing with RFA's but also reaching the cap minimum. In recent years, the Avs have done no spending during July and August, and I hope that this is the year that they finally go and spend some money. Suggestions:
1. Tomas Vokoun - Biggest need by far, the Avs can't rely on Budaj or Elliot to take them anywhere. They should offer Vokoun some good money and he would be an excellent fit in Denver.
2. Brooks Laich - If the Caps center decides to test the free agency, the Avalanche would be wise to offer him a contract. Laich is a very under-rated and often not talked about player, cast in the shadow of Ovie and the stars in Washington. If Laich were to sign with a young team, he would shine in the chance to play 1st/2nd line. I really think that if Laich signed in Colorado it would make sure that Tomas Fleishmann signs as well because the two were teammates only a year ago (and were for several years in Washington). Imagine Laich, Duchene and Fleishmann and then Stastny Hejduk Landeskog and you have a stellar top 6.
3. Simon Gagne - I always enjoyed the chemistry that Gagne had with former Av Peter Forsberg, and I think that he would look really good alongside Duchene or Stastny. If Tampa opts to not re-sign him, I think it would be a great signing for any team.
4. Kevin Bieksa/Sami Salo/Christian Ehrhoff - Whichever D the Canucks let go, I would love to see sign in Colorado. I dislike the Canucks very much but always respected the talent they had on d. Salo has an incredible slapper still at his old age, while Bieksa and Ehrhoff are extremely talented. Likely 1 or 2 of the 3 will stay, so will see where the third goes.
5. Brad Richards - Obviously every team's blogger will try and make a case why they should sign the top free agent out there, but the Avs have a lot of money and can afford to offer him a big contract. Same goes for Stamkos, Tampa would be flat out insane to not sign him before July 1st and you know how many teams will send him an offer sheet. The Avs have a lot of money to spend and should offer if the opportunity strikes, although I can't see it realistically happening
6. Josh Harding - Release Budaj and Elliot, start fresh and wait for the development of Calvin Pickard. For now, the Avs should consider signing Harding who has been a great backup in limited time.
7. Jussi Jokinen - Talented LW, would look good in an Avs jersey. Avs are weak at LW (Landeskog and Galiardi) and could use another scorer.
8. Ville Leino - Hard to see them not re-signing him but if the slim chance arrives I hope the Avs offer him a contract. The talented winger doesn't give up and is exactly what every team needs.
9. Tim Connolly - If healthy, Center is very talented and would provide leadership down the middle.
10. Joni Pitkanen - Solid, big D would provide toughness and size for the Avs D group.

In conclusion, the Avs did well at the draft but still has a lot to do in free agency. I hope that they sign at least 1 goalie, 1 or 2 Defence and 2 or 3 forwards and spend some cap space. I look forward to seeing the new faces in the Avs lineup come training camp.

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Adios JM Liles + Pre-draft thoughts

The Avs have officially traded JM Liles after years of trade speculation, sending him to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2nd rounder in 2012 (via Boston - Kaberle Trade). While the Avs will miss his offensive production, this paves the way for youngsters Tyson Barrie and Stefan Elliot to make the team next season. It also clears 4.5 million in cap space for the Avs to make some offseason signings, but none more important than going after a goalie (Vokoun).

Going into the draft tonight, the Avs apparently have their pick. The question is, who might that be? With Nugent-Hopkins most certainly going #1 to the Oilers, the Avs have the option between Larsson, Landeskog and Huberdeau who all would be excellent picks. My guess and hope is that the Avs draft Adam Larsson to fill the gap that Liles left, as well as to create a stellar #1 pairing (With Erik Johnson) in the future. I can't wait for tonight and am excited for the Avs picks as well as any trades on draft day. Once again best of luck to JM Liles in Toronto, he will be missed
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

NHL Mock Draft Part 1 - Teams/Picks

1.Edmonton Oilers select C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Red-Deer, WHL)
2. Colorado Avalanche select D Adam Larsson (Skelleftea AIK, SWE)
3. Florida Panthers select LW Gabriel Landeskog (Kitchener, OHL)
4. New Jersey Devils select C Jonathan Huberdeau (Saint John, QMJHL)
5. New York Islanders select C Sean Couturier (Drummondville, QMJHL)
6. Ottawa Senators select C Ryan Strome (Niagara, OHL)
7. Winnipeg Jets? select D Dougie Hamilton (Niagara, OHL)
8. Philadelphia Flyers select D Ryan Murphy (Kitchener, OHL)*
9. Boston Bruins select D Nathan Beaulieu (Saint John, QMJHL)
10. Minnesota Wild select D Duncan Siemens (Saskatoon, WHL)
11. Colorado Avalanche select C Mika Zibanejad (Djurgårdens IF, SWE)
12. Carolina Hurricanes select D Jonas Brodin (Farjestad, SWE)
13. Calgary Flames select LW Sven Baertschi (Portland, WHL)
14. Dallas Stars select C Mark McNeill (Prince Albert, WHL)
15. New York Rangers select C Mark Scheifele (Barrie, OHL)
16. Buffalo Sabres select D Jamieson Oleksiak (Northeastern, NCAA)
17. Montreal Canadiens select C Boone Jenner (Oshawa, OHL)
18. Chicago Blackhawks select C Zach Phillips (Saint John, QMJHL)
19. Edmonton Oilers select D Joseph Morrow (Portland, WHL)
20. Phoenix Coyotes select D Oscar Klefbom (Farjestad, SWE)
21. Ottawa Senators select LW Nicklas Jensen (Oshawa, OHL)
22. Anahiem Ducks select LW Brandon Saad (Saginaw, OHL)
23. Pittsburgh Penguins select RW Tomas Jurco (Saint John, OHL)
24. Detroit Red Wings select RW Joel Armia (Assat, FIN)
25. Toronto Maple Leafs select RW Tyler Biggs (US NTDP)
26. Washington Capitals select C Alexander Khokhlachev (Windsor, OHL)
27. Tampa Bay Lightning select RW Ty Rattie (Portland, WHL)
28. San Jose Sharks select D David Musil (Vancouver, WHL)
29. Vancouver Canucks select C Vladimir Namestnikov (Londin, OHL)
30. Toronto Maple Leafs select LW Matt Puempel (Peterborough, OHL)

*Flyers trade Jeff Carter to Colombus for Jakob Voracek and first (8th overall) and 3rd round picks
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

BOSTON BRUINS STANLEY CUP CHAMPS

All that stood in front of Vancouver was an old, bearded goalie who refused to give up. Every time the Canucks mounted any pressure, there he was grinning like a school boy and making save after save. Who is surprised at all by his play, 3 shutouts in the finals and none bigger than the Stanley Cup clincher tonight. Besides Thomas, what a game from the line of Marchand, Recchi and Bergeron. Once again, this line was the best on the ice scoring all 4 goals. If it weren't for Thomas, Brad Marchand would we skating away with the Conn Smythe, what a playoffs for that young man. Not only was he consistent all playoffs, but he saved his best for last scoring twice and assisting on another in arguably the biggest game of his career. I said in my pre-game notes that it was time for Marchand to step up, and man oh man did him and Bergeron (with a slight help from Thomas and the terribly working Canucks) carry Boston. What a great sight seeing Chara hoist the cup, this Bruins team deserved this Cup more than anyone else in the league and that is why they are here standing alone. What an amazing end to the 2011 Stanley Cup Champions, congrats again to the Boston Bruins.
Conn Smythe - Tim Thomas
Bruins 4 Canucks 0 (Bruins win finals 4-3)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Game 7 Tonight - Thoughts and Predictions

As fans wait nervously around the world, none are more so then Canucks fans in Vancouver. The cup is in the building tonight and will be given out, the Canucks just hope they can hoist it infront of their crowd instead of the alternative (Boston winning in their building). It is going to be an extremely tight and close game, as both teams will be on the extreme defensive side with fear of losing the cup. It is always exciting to see the cup being lifted so tonight will be a great thing to watch regardless of the outcome, but 1 thing is for sure that the loser of this game will be devastated. Best of luck to both teams.
Prediction: Boston 3 Vancouver 2
Conn Smythe: Tim Thomas

Article on Brad Marchand from Yahoo Sports

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Aq8ar9.zehZhyRqPhmueQuN7vLYF?slug=nc-bruins_rookie_brad_marchand_a_star_and_pest061411

here is yahoo's article

Brad Marchand and the Value of an Unsung Playoff Hero

Prior to reading the preview of tomorrow night's do or die Stanley Cup final, I wanted to think back to how these teams got to this point. On one hand you have the Presidents Trophy Canucks battling through Chicago, Nashville and San Jose on route to their first final since 1994. The Canucks entire organization and fan base needs this victory more than anything, but they don't have me convinced as champions just yet. There in the way stands those Boston Bruins, those bruising, bashing warriors led by Big Z and Timmy Thomas. This organization has been through so much in between their last win of the Stanley Cup (1972), and they will throw everything they have at Vancouver tomorrow night. It is going to be a game for the ages. Now on to my topic for tonight, Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand and what it means to be the unsung hero in the playoffs.

Brad Marchand:
Every year around this time, the name always floats around about an unsung playoff hero that defies his career at the most important time. In recent years, players such as Maxime Talbot (Penguins 2009), Samuel Pahlsson (Ducks 2007) and Ruslan Fedetenko (Lightning 2004) have thrived in the playoffs and the finals in particular, with both Talbot and Fedetenko scoring both goals in 2-1 game 7 wins respectively. However, when a rookie steps up into this role you can only sit back and enjoy how ,much a special player like that does for a team. We saw it last year with rookie goalie Antii Niemi leading the Hawks to a cup, but they had an amazing forward and defence core that played outstanding as a team. Brad Marchand does everything you ask for and so much more for Head Coach Claude Julien; the pesky forward who never quits on a play, always finishes his check, and most importantly scores clutch goals. Take game 6 for example, Henrik Sedin could have scored on that first shot and I don't think the game would have gone the same way, but in response Brad Marchand led the charge. The rookie winger took a feed from the ageless Mark Recchi and roofed a wrist-shot short side right over Luongo's glove. Once again Marchand found a way to beat Luongo, as the rookie has 9 goals this playoffs (tying a Boston record). Even when Marchand isn't scoring or making dazzling moves, he is killing penalties, throwing aggressive and clean body checks and most importantly getting in the Sedin's head. I compare this straight to the 2007 finals, where the Sens came in relying on their first line of Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley, but it was the checking line of Anaheim (Travis Moen, Rob Niedermayer and Samuel Pahlsson) who stifled them and arguably won the Ducks the series. Brad Marchand may be disliked by many people, but when it comes down to it you must see the game that he brings to the table. Game 7 could go so many different ways, and it is so difficult to predict what will happen because this is the biggest game of all these players career. There is so much pressure on both teams that it will be a very close, defensive game. Who will be the hero of Game 7, and help their team win the best trophy in pro sports? My only prediction (if you call it that) is that I hope Brad Marchand becomes the hero and the Bruins finally win the cup again.
To conclude, I saw an article about Brad Marchand on yahoosports and I wrote my own article before I read that, because I have been supporting Marchand since game 1 of these playoffs. I will also post the article from yahoo sports, but if you are reading this thanks for the time.
Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News (Stanley Cup Addition)

Game 6 Recap

What a complete game from the Boston Bruins, and that leaves us with 1 final game for Lord Stanley. The Bruins dominated early and frustrated Vancouver's stars on route to a 5-2 victory. Game 7 will be Wednesday night in Vancouver, and what a night it will be. This series has been full of everything, and tonight we saw how much the Bruins wanted the cup - the never quite attitude that defies greatness. Who knows what will happen in Game 7, but tonight was Boston's way of silencing the critics, in particular Tim Thomas and all the nonsense he has taken. Thomas is hands down the best goalie in the league, while certainly being the best player in these playoffs (especially in these finals). If Tim Thomas wasn't playing the way he was, Boston wouldn't have even had a chance. Besides Bergeron's undisciplined penalties, I felt that his line of Brad Marchand and Mark Recchi were truly dominant once again. Brad Marchand possesses the skill that everyone wants in a hockey player, but you hate to play against. He is gritty, fast but has the skill set to be a top line player. His goal tonight got Boston going on a bender of 4 goals in 4:14. I think that Marchand has been a delight in these playoffs, and continues to grow every game.
Three Stars:
Third Star: Mark Recchi 3 AST
Second Star: Brad Marchand 1 Goal
First Star: Tim Thomas 36 Saves, .947 Save PCT.



If Tim Thomas continues to play this way, we may see the first road victory of the finals in Game 7, but not without getting by the Canucks in the biggest game of all these players careers. So much is at stake, triumph for the winner and heartbreak for the loser, but Wednesday will sure be full of all the emotions a game 7 has. For now we wait until Wednesday, where we will see the new Stanley Cup Champions. My Prediction: Boston 4 Vancouver 3 (Brad Marchand winning goal)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News.

Stanley Cup Finals - Game 6

So as my blog started yesterday, I felt that I have missed a great deal of time to write about how amazing these Stanley Cup playoffs have been. However, I will look directly at game 6 and how I believe Tim Thomas and the B's will force game 7. It has been a series full of goals, saves, hits, and tons of emotion and tonight will be no different. Home crowd advantage has favoured the Bruins this playoffs and they look to keep their title hopes alive with a win. Being an Avs fan, it will be even more difficult to watch Henrik Sedin and the Canucks win the cup because they are in the same division, but in all fairness they deserve it as much as Boston does. What a great game it will be tonight.
Prediction Boston 5 Vancouver 3.
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Intro Post and Future Outlooks

Hello All! I have been wanting to do this for quite some time now, and finally decided to start my own blog about the Avs. There are many things that show this organization in the right direction, and this past year was a great (albeit tough) experience for a very young Avs team. Much to everyones surprise, the Avs made the playoffs the first year after longtime captain and hall of famer Joe Sakic retired and under rookie head coach Joe Sacco. In Sacco's 2nd year, the Avs fought for most of the season, until injuries took its toll and a brutal post-allstar break led the avs to the 2nd pick in this months NHL Draft. While the Avs enter the draft with the 2nd and 11th pick, all Avs fans await which elite player will dress for them in the near distant future. With Edmonton expecting to select Red Deer Rebel Center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with the first overall pick, the Avs have (in my mind) 3 suitable candidates to pick at number 2. My rankings in order:
1. Adam Larsson - Skelleftea HC of the Swedish Elite League Elitserien. 
Larsson is a world-class defender from Sweden (we all known what Swedish defence are capable of becoming) who will become a very successful NHL player. Larsson draws many comparisons to Nik Lidstrom and other fellow Swedes, but to me he is very similar to Senators star Erik Karlsson. Like Karlsson, Larsson has a booming shot from the point, and would fit nicely with recently acquired former first overall pick Erik Johnson or John-Michael Liles. Larsson would be a tremendous player for the Avs if they were to select him
2. Jonathan Huberdeau - Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL.
 In this draft years biggest story, Jonathan Huberdeau enters the NHL draft fresh off his MVP performances in both the Sea Dogs QMJHL Championship and Memorial Cup Championship. Much hype has been talked about for Huberdeau as he possesses tremendous offensive talent at the center position, while being able to fit on the wing as well. Huberdeau would be a perfect fit on the wing of Duchene or Stastny, but also could Center as well and truly become a world class player. Huberdeau would be a perfect fit for the Avs
3. Gabriel Landeskog - Kitchener Rangers of the OHL
Landeskog may be the most NHL ready player in this year's draft. He possesses a complete game, much like Matt Duchene did leading into his draft year, as Landeskog is a two-way 200 foot player who knows how to win. The Avs would be safe picking Landeskog and would solve their weak LW issues (Mueller and Galiardi both were hurt this season). 
Each of these 3 players would make a great impact on the Avs immediately, so it will be up to GM Greg Sherman to make the right pick. Positive Outlook to the future is important for Avs fans, as prospects Joey Hishon (C - Owen Sound Attack OHL), Tyson Barrie (D - Kelowna Rockets WHL) and Stefan Elliot (D - Saskatoon Blades WHL) all could make the team next year, along with rising players Duchene, O'Reilly, Fleischmann, Mueller, Johnson etc. The NHL Draft will be exciting for sure as the Avs could also get another steal at the 11th pick
This has been a great first post, and I hope to be writing a lot more entering the draft and free agency this summer. A bright future for the Avs!
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News.