5 Thoughts on the Avs





1. The Avs are a different team with Nikita Zadorov in the lineup. Zadorov himself isn’t overly dominant but something about having the large defenseman on the ice really adds an element to almost everyone’s game. This was evident in the game that Zadorov didn’t play. The Avs played a bit timid against the Penguins and really didn’t have that issue in their next game against Florida. His presence his very noticeable for the team even if he himself isn’t always noticeable as a player.









2. The Avs depth scoring has been insane this year. Tyson Jost popped a hat trick against the defending Presidents trophy winning Lightning, Andrei Burakovsky had 2 huge goals against Florida, and Jonas Donskoi has quietly been one of our best players so far with 6 points in 8 games. The depth the Avs have acquired and developed this year is the biggest reason why I think they will continue this pace long term. They have an extremely well-balanced team. The MackRantaKog line can have an off night and not only get a win but even a convincing 6-2 win over the Lightning. (yes, that line had 2 goals in the game but it still doesn't seem like they’ve hit on all cylinders in a full game yet.)









3. At the time of writing this the Avs have not only the Central Division lead but are actually first in the entire league. To add to that of the top 10 teams in the league the Avs have at least 1 game at hand on all of them except Boston (who they already beat in a head to head). Getting too high on October standings is not usually a good idea but its hard not to be excited for the Avs right now. They have a huge match up with the defending chaps in St. Louis tonight. A win tonight will really give the Avs an early stranglehold on the central division.









4. Here’s a quick prospect update: Bowen Byram has been solid earning 12 points in 12 games playing the WHL. The Avs probably told Byram to work on his defense down in the WHL, they made the right call sending him back because he simply wasn’t ready for NHL hockey (very very few 18-year-old defenseman are). The move showed both a commitment to proper patience in development as well as the Avs great depth within the organization. Great depth means they don’t need to rush guys like Byram. For the AHL players the trio of Shane Bowers, A.J. Greer, and Martin Kaut are all pointless in 5 games down in Loveland. Conor Timmins does have 2 assists in 3 games since getting sent down. The Eagles are currently 3-2 on the young season. Lastly Alex Newhook has 1 goal in 4 games so far for Boston College. (All info pulled from EliteProspects.com )









5. Here’s a way too early look at some possible trade deadline targets for the Avs. Assuming the Avs maintain even a portion a of their current pace they will likely be firm buyers at the trade deadline for the first time in a quite a while. The obvious big fish is upcoming UFA Taylor Hall. Hall who is a LW doesn’t seem like he intends to re-sign in New Jersey given the teams poor start. Hall is an extremely talented player but he will cost a lot to acquire and I'm not sure he fits into the Avs long term plans given the salary he will likely command. Coupled with rumors of locker room issues I don't think he's the ideal trade deadline target for the Avs this year. A few guys that come to mind for me are Chris Kreider, Mike Hoffman, Evgenii Dadonov, Sami Vatanen and Tyler Toffoli. The ideal target for me would be Kreider, the 28 year old is one of the fastest players in the league, put up 52 points last year, and would bring a wealth of playoff experience to the Avs. Teams don't like to trade good players if they are contending for a playoff spot so it's certainly a little early to be looking at targets.





Thanks and see you next week, Go Avs!