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
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