Hello all! this is part 1 of my Avalanche 2011-2012 season thoughts and predictions where I break down the Avs roster by position. My first roster position is often the most pivotal for a hockey team to be successful (i.e. Tim Thomas for Boston) and that is the goaltending. The Avalanche went into this past season with huge confidence after making the playoffs 2 years ago led by newly acquired goaltender Craig Anderson. Anderson was expected to lead the charge again, but had trouble this season finding his place in the crease. Anderson got so bad that Peter Budaj started taking some of his starts, and the Avs season went down from the Allstar Break on because of poor goaltending. Come trade deadline time, the Avs far out of a playoff spot, decide to trade Anderson for perennial backup Brian Elliot. Now a lot of people (including myself) were shaking their heads at this trade, I for one thought Anderson could be a franchise goalie in Colorado but now will be successful in Ottawa. The year ended and the tandem of Elliot/Budaj was just horrid, so the Avs had priority #1 for the offseason: find new goalies. Budaj and Elliot were released, and the Avs were on the prowl for a goalie, many thought they would sign Tomas Vokoun. However, Greg Sherman shocked the hockey world again acquiring highly touted by injury-prone Russian goaltender Semyon Varlamov from the Capitals for a 1st and 2nd pick. The 23 year-old goalie was a first round pick in 2006, and many feel that the Avs gave up too much to get him. However, Varlamov is extremely young and has the potential to carry the load for the Avs for many years. Via NHL.com:
“In Semyon Varlamov we are acquiring a highly touted NHL goaltender,” said Avalanche General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman. “At 23 years old, he is regarded as a solid and talented netminder by our staff. We definitely feel we have addressed our top priority this offseason and for many years to come.”
“Semyon is an elite goaltender who is a key part of our future success,” said Avalanche Executive Advisor/Alternate Governor Joe Sakic. “Avalanche fans should be very excited with this acquisition, as we all are.”
I am very excited to see Semyon dress for the Avs, and I think (injuries aside) he could have a very bright future in Colorado. Varlamov was immediately signed to a 3-year $8.5 million contract and expected to be the starter next season. To mentor Varlamov and help share the load, the Avs also went out and signed former Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Winner J.S. Giguere to a 2-year $2.5 million contract. Giguere will provide a veteran stability to the Avs goaltending, one that they have lacked since Patrick Roy left. While Giguere is happy in his job behind Varlamov, he will certainly play his fair share of games and should Varlamov struggle or get hurt, Giguere will be ready to step in. In conclusion, the first step towards fixing last season's disaster was goaltending; the Avs cleaned house on goalies and signed 2 proven netminders. I think that both these players have a very bright future ahead in Colorado. Next up: Defence
J.S. Giguere: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/1514
Semyon Varlamov: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/4003
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News.
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