This is my 3rd season covering the Avalanche, both the previous two years I did the same review the offseason and how the Avs were looking going into the season. The last two years I did this same projection, and this year I am going to change it up slightly. Instead of showing the lineup I think will happen, I am going to project based on what I want to see (very similar, few small differences). With that being said, here we go:
Line #1 - LW Ryan O'Reilly C Matt Duchene RW P.A Parenteau
Recently in practice Roy has had Downie on this line and Parenteau with Mackinnon, but it's only preseason and I think Roy is just testing his combinations to see what he would do if/when he wants to shift his forward lines. However, this was the line that Roy said within days of being named Head Coach that he wants to play together. Roy gave everyone a little shock when he wanted to move Ryan O'Reilly to the wing, considering O'Reilly has been more consistent at C then any other Avs player that isn't named Duchene. With the addition of Nathan Mackinnon, that forced O'Reilly to the wing and so far in training camp him and Duchene have been by far the best two players out there. Throw in Parenteau who gained great chemistry with Duchene last year, and the Avs have a really dangerous line right here. Not only will they score goals, but all three guys are smart, reliable players and I think this line is going to be equally as good defensively.
Line #2 - LW Gabriel Landeskog C Paul Stastny RW Alex Tanguay
If there is one person who believes in the resurgence of Paul Stastny, its Avs Head Coach Patrick Roy. Stastny has had a tough few years in Denver, and entering the final year of his 5-year, $33 million contract it is a very imporant part of his career. Stastny started to show good chemistry with Landeskog at the end of last season, and throw in the recently acquired former Avs star Alex Tanguay and that makes a potentially very productive 2nd line. Roy has stated several times throughout camp that he felt all 3 of these guys were playing good hockey, especially Alex Tanguay who was Avs teammate 10 years ago when he retired from the NHL. Tanguay may be 33 and not getting any younger, but the skill is still there and he believes playing with the Avs Captain in Landeskog and a motivated Paul Stastny and this line could score some goals.
Line #3 - LW Jamie McGinn C Nathan MacKinnon RW Steve Downie
I am beyond excited to watch this line play hockey, I'm a big believer in a 4-line team and I think that the 3rd/4th line are always the difference maker in a good and bad team. While this line is certainly young and will take some time to find themselves, they have the tangibles to be a very strong 3rd line. When the Avs picked MacKinnon 1st overall this summer they committed themselves to a player they think they will have for the next 10-15 years, and as excited as everyone is it will take him time to adjust to the NHL as an 18-year old. Patrick Roy has repeated time and time again (every press conference it seems) that they aren't expecting MacKinnon to come in as their "savior" they want him to play hockey and be comfortable. That's why Roy has him with Downie and McGinn, both bigger forwards who will step in his defence at any time. The hidden factor of this line is that all 3 of these guys both have good speed, and play very strong cycle game so if they gain chemistry early then they could be a great line.
Line #4 - LW Cody McLeod C John Mitchell RW Marc Olver
John Mitchell really surprised me last year, he was one of the Avs most consistent players all year and benefited by playing all over the lineup last year. However, this year that isn't the same deal because he now is behind Duchene, Stastny and MacKinnon on the depth chart. If he can play the same way then he could become a useful 4th line C, much like Gregory Campbell in Boston, Jay McClement in Toronto (former Av). The wingers on the 4th line could be a number of players, but I think McLeod makes it for sure just for the fighting aspect. The RW spot is up for grabs with a few different players, Olver has experience so I have him in that spot
D-Pair #1 - LD Chris Bigras RD Erik Johnson
I am a big believer in Chris Bigras, only weeks into his pro-career where he has been the best D through rookie and Avs training camp. Yes he is only 18, and everyone has their concerns about the pressure of being a defenceman in the NHL at that age, but this kid has shown serious poise and responsibility so far. Erik Johnson is the Avs #1 D even with all his struggles the past few years, but it seems that he has a chip on his shoulder now and hes working harder then ever. Bigras has been paired with Johnson much of training camp, and if he does make the team then I think he sticks with Johnson (atleast for a 9-game tryout)
D-Pair #2 - LD Ryan Wilson RD Cory Sarich
This would become the Avs shutdown pair, both guys are hard hitting and play more defense-first hockey. Wilson has had a string of injuries in the past few years, including a leg injury that will keep him out till around opening night, but when healthy he is in the Avs top 4 (with EJ if Bigras doesn't make it). The addition of Sarich is a big step in the right direction in fixing the Avs D, lets face it they were atrocious on D the last 3 seasons. Sarich is a shutdown guy who has had a history of that in Tampa and Calgary, hopefully he brings a veteran presence (like Roy keeps mentioning).
D-Pair #3 - LD Jan Hejda RD Tyson Barrie
For me its really a toss up here at LD between Hejda and Benoit; Hejda has struggled at times but hes going to play, Benoit is the new addition and is more offensive-minded. Barrie is the x-factor here, he has really started to show signs of progressing in training camp and could turn into the offensive d the Avs need. Pair him with the defense-first Hejda and it makes a potentially strong 3rd D-line but also vulnerable as well.
Goalies: Semyon Varlamov and J.S Giguere
I look at this duo as a 1A 1B goalie situation; meaning Varlamov is the starter and has the chance to prove himself, especially in a contract year. However, if he struggles and can't find his game, Giguere has the trust of Patrick Roy and goalie coach Francois Allaire, so he can easily take the starter role. I think regardless Giguere is going to play very close to even games with Varlamov, Roy has stated he doesnt believe in having #1 and #2 goalie he believes the goalie in net is #1 and the goalie on the bench is #2.
Healthy Scratches: Patrick Bordeleau, Andre Benoit, Nate Guenin
Thanks for reading
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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