Semyon Varlamov - The new netminder looks rock-solid in net so far for the Avs, playing extremely well in training camp. Varlamov looks more and more like an everyday starter and this could be a huge year for him in Denver.
Gabriel Landeskog - Not given an easy ride like many assumed he would get, Gabriel is really fighting for his ice out there and we can all see the 2-way qualities this kid possesses. While he hasn't been particular dominate in the offensive zone, Gabriel has excelled playing with Ryan O'Reilly as both players play very similar styles of hockey. I think that Landeskog will for sure make the team this year, but will log time on the third line with O'Reilly and Galiardi to start.
Matt Duchene - What more is there to say about this talented, gifted 20 year old. Duchene looks better every time he steps on the ice, and is showing some serious chemistry with Hejduk and the healthy Peter Mueller to form the Avs first line. Duchene has all the qualities and skill to lead Colorado to the playoffs again, and I believe that he is ready for the C despite his age.
Erik Johnson - Now if Duchene doesn't get the C, this is my next option (even though Stas and Hej have been assistant captains for a while now). Johnson is everything the Avs need in a defense and more, he is the cornerstone and future of the Avs blueline. While that being said, training camp has shown his leadership qualities (despite being 23) and I really think that Johnson will have a great year this season.
Joakim Lindstrom - Not a well known guy by any means, but wow has he impressed everyone in training camp. Seemed a long shot to make the team a few months ago, Joakim has developed some serious chemistry with Paul Stastny and David Jones in which will most likely be the Avs 2nd line this season. While not the most skilled player in the league, Joakim is a very smart player and will benefit playing with the even smarter Stastny. Look for a very surprising year out of Joakim assuming that he keeps his spot on the 2nd line.
Brad Malone - If Lindstrom wasn't a well known guy, Brad Malone is even more unknown to the hockey world. However, the young man has some serious grit to his game and is making serious strides towards making the team this year. He has shown great competitiveness playing on a line with Cody Mcleod and Daniel Winnik, a combination that could end up being the 4th line this season. It is still a long shot, but I would not be surprised at all if Malone makes his way onto the Avs opening night roster.
In conclusion, I feel that training camp has gone really well for the Avs so far. While there are many more players I could focus on, these 6 were really the standout/interesting players from camp. Don't forget to check the annual Avs Burgundy/White game tonight at 6:30.
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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