Digging Out

COLORADO AVALANCHE

2012-13 record: 16-25-7 (39 points)
Missed the Playoffs
Captain: Gabriel Landeskog

The Colorado Avalanche were a dysfunctional unit last year, from the Ryan O'Reilly RFA fiasco to backup goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere calling out his teammates for not giving it their all to the less than stellar defense.  The end result was the first overall pick, which was used to take Nathan MacKinnon, and he will be expected to contribute right away.  Offense wasn't too much of an issue...for either Matt Duchene or P-A Parenteau, both of whom posted close to a point per game.  However, the drop-off from those two was pretty steep, as the next leading scorer (Paul Stastny) was 19 points behind Duchene and Parenteau.  Even Gabriel Landeskog wasn't immune, as his numbers took a dive, possibly from the extra weight of having to grow into his responsibilities as captain.  The offensive numbers should see a spike now that O'Reilly is on the team for a full year (he posted 20 points in 29 games) and MacKinnon will likely see time on a line with O'Reilly and returning Alex Tanguay.  The blue line was a major problem last year, and will continue to be a problem until some of their prospects start stepping up.  Tyson Barrie (the leading scorer amongst the Avs defensemen) is the first, and the team hopes he won't be the last to step up, as both Stefan Elliott and Duncan Siemens will likely be seeing significant time this season.  It would help significantly if Erik Johnson finally plays to his first pick overall status, but time is running out for him.  A not-so strong blue line was part of the reason both Giguere and Semyon Varlamov were shelled in net, but both, particularly Varlamov, are not exactly blameless here, as the Avs paid a large amount to get Varlamov and he hasn't given enough on the returns and Giguere is nothing more than a competent backup at this stage in his career.  Coaching should be better, with Patrick Roy behind the bench, and given his experience in Quebec of the QMJHL, he will be needing to teach some of the young players how to play properly, though there will be no shortage of fireworks behind the bench.

Prospects: MacKinnon is sure to make the team, though he may start out as a third line center on opening night.  Siemens has a chance to make the roster, as well, given the lack of talent on the blue line.  However, he may need another year before he makes the roster for good.

Prediction: 7th in the Central Division

The forwards as a whole, didn't play to expectations last season.  There is simply too much talent up front for that to happen again this season.  The blue line, however, is going to continue to struggle without a clear-cut number one player, something that won't happen until either their prospects grow into that role or Johnson finally sheds the "bust" label.  Varlamov wasn't given an ultimatum, but he may feel the heat if he posts a GAA north of the 3.00 mark again this season.