After looking at the potential forward lineup for the 2012-2013 Colorado Avalanche, I will now shift my focus to the defensive side of the game; the goaltending and defence. Colorado is looking at a very similar group from last year, with the addition of stay-at-home Greg Zanon the only difference. I will first look at the goalies:
Semyon Varlamov and J.S Giguere
Coach Sacco has already stated this will be the tandem all season long (barring any injuries). He really expressed the two similar but different positions that each player holds as a goaltender for this team, as he noted Varlamov as the young starter and Giguere in the veteran leadership role that is also capable of picking up for a Varlamov if he struggles. Avs goaltending prospects Calvin Pickard, Sami Aittokallio and Kent Patterson will all have to wait their turns respectively, as Coach Sacco didn't invite any to the shortened training camp because he is set on Varlamov and Giguere. Now looking at the potential D pairing and 7th/8th D for the avs:
Pair #1 Erik Johnson and Shane O'Brien
O'Brien really impressed me last season, as a guy who has had trouble sticking with an NHL team he really came into Colorado last season and emerged as one of this teams' vocal leaders. You can see he is an emotional guy on the ice, he never shys away from a hit or sticking up for his teammates. However, being paired with EJ last season developed a huge step in his offensive game as he jumped up into the play more often and had his 2nd best statistical year of his career(3 goals and 17 assists). Johnson is coming off a mediocre first full year in Colorado, and really has to get it going if he wants to be Colorado's anchor of the D. He is capable of being a top-caliber NHL D, but he needs to be consistent and show that he can put up points. Look for this duo to get a lot of minutes early in the season if they play well.
Pair #2 Ryan Wilson and Greg Zanon
Two very underestimated D, as Wilson is both physical and has some offense to his game while Zanon is pure defensive. Zanon will be a huge boost to the avs PK this season, as he is a shot-blocking machine. He will not provide anything in terms of offense (similar to O'Byrne) but is a real solid stay-at-home D that will log good minutes for the avs this season. Wilson, like EJ, needs to find some consistency to his game and he will definitely get a chance to this season
Pair #3 Ryan O'Byrne and Jan Hejda
You would think that the Avs need Elliot in here for offense, but Joe Sacco was keen on improving the D and the Zanon signing shows that. O'Byne and Hejda are both 2 defensive guys, neither will wow you with skill or speed (as both are rather slow) but they will be important PK guys along with Zanon. If either struggles, look for Elliot/Hunwick to take their spot.
7th/8th bench D Stefan Elliot and Matt Hunwick
The avs have depth at D, and it will benefit them if any current D gets hurt. This situation is not in favour for both youngsters Elliot and Barrie, as the avs have 7 NHL D with the 6 I listed and Hunwick. Hunwicks play last season certainly gets him on this roster, although he will have trouble fighting for a top 6 spot. Between Elliot and Barrie, if the avs keep 8 D and not 7, the avs take the more experienced and I think better Stefan Elliot.
So the D and Goalie Situation looks as follows:
Johnson-O'Brien
Wilson-Zanon
Hejda-O'Byrne
Hunwick
Elliot
Varlamov
Giguere
Avs training camp continues with day 2 on Monday, still no word on Ryan O'Reilly which is really dissapointing that the avs haven't been able to reach a deal yet. We are 5 days away from the NHL season to begin, I AM BEYOND EXCITED. GO AVS GO
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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