GDT: 2018-19 Training Camp and Preseason Thread

[The Kingslayer]

Here are my thoughts...

First off cheap-ass Kroenke can't even put the numbers on jerseys so everyone had to use guesses based upon how they look and what type of numbers resemble what. It was awful. Second off, training camp has turned into a glorified practice which is so hard to get a grasp on players positive and negative. Because of that, it is quite absurd for AJ to determine who's going to be what. However from what I've seen..

MVP of G1: MacKinnon (he's a step ahead of everyone).
MVP of G2: EJ Johnson (he was also on another level from everyone on the defencive side).

- Cody Bass is like McLeod, no sure what the point of him being here is...

- Beaudin has the talent, but if he's not going to take the next step physically (not dishing out hits, but absorbing them) he will not make the NHL. He might be our Bigras of forwards.

- Boucher looking really solid since the prospect tournament, has a nice step on everyone when it comes to skating and a very underrated shot.

- Greer looked good.

- I am hearing a lot about Jost, but didn't really notice too much of a difference compared to last year (where I thought he was solid to begin with). Actual preseason games should be the indicator on if he got faster or not.

- Didn't mind Kaut today in the drills, but surprised by how raw he is.

- Similar to Boucher, Lewis was a step ahead from majority of everyone in his group today. He also brought it in a competitive sense.

- Rantanen looked to REALLY struggled today for me, it seemed that the altitude was clearly affecting him.

- Colin Wilson was easily the third best player today after EJ and MacKinnon. He had the desire, work ethic, skating, and skills to dominate everyone else (seemed a lot more fitter compared to last season). He absolutely smoked Varlamov on a couple of shots. Looking forward to see if he's able to contain it consistently or if this was a one-time showing.

- Don't see the point of Mark Alt except on the keyboard.

- Cole is built like an effin tank. There are some limitations to his IQ and defencive awareness, but I really enjoyed what I saw from him today.

- Geertsen with a wonderful flow of hair, but he sadly looked lost and a step behind the play. Got coached by Bednar and Pratt on more than one occasion.

- Girard was throwing his body around A LOT more this season compared to what we've seen.

- Lindholm was brutal with a capital B - got absolutely walked five times today.

- Ottenbreit is my darkhorse candidate from both groups, in terms of pure shutdown defence he was definitely the best player for me. He has the vision, awareness, and skill stick for the defencive side of the game. Really solid showing from him.

- It was only one day, but Zadorov was very meh. The IQ questions are definitely still there.

- In terms of goaltending, Francouz was BY FAR the best goaler there. Varlamov looked solid, but Pavel was levels above everyone. Grubauer was extremely meh to me. Martin looked solid, but we know his weaknesses are not technique/talent. Cannata is cannon fodder.

- Everyone else was meh to the point that they're not worth mentioning.

Did any of these players show up because I didn't see them out there; Downing, Meloche, Shvyrev, Barrie, Warsofsky, and Boikov? Again they might've been and just couldn't spot them due to the jersey situation. I will happily answer any other questions you lads have to the best of my ability.

Thanks for this SEPH.

 

[McMetal]

We have done that here on multiple occasions.

I mean, we were all in on Fallin' for Dahlin this time last year, but we changed our tunes pretty quickly once we started to win games.

 

[avsfan09]

We have done that here on multiple occasions.

I remember the tanks years haha. That said I think I still wanted players to score. They just didnt.

 

[LieutenantDangle]

Quit winnin for MacKinnon was my favorite one. Worked out swimmingly

 

[Anders Cain]

Here are my thoughts...

First off cheap-ass Kroenke can't even put the numbers on jerseys so everyone had to use guesses based upon how they look and what type of numbers resemble what. It was awful. Second off, training camp has turned into a glorified practice which is so hard to get a grasp on players positive and negative. Because of that, it is quite absurd for AJ to determine who's going to be what. However from what I've seen..

MVP of G1: MacKinnon (he's a step ahead of everyone).
MVP of G2: EJ Johnson (he was also on another level from everyone on the defencive side).

- Cody Bass is like McLeod, no sure what the point of him being here is...

- Beaudin has the talent, but if he's not going to take the next step physically (not dishing out hits, but absorbing them) he will not make the NHL. He might be our Bigras of forwards.

- Boucher looking really solid since the prospect tournament, has a nice step on everyone when it comes to skating and a very underrated shot.

- Greer looked good.

- I am hearing a lot about Jost, but didn't really notice too much of a difference compared to last year (where I thought he was solid to begin with). Actual preseason games should be the indicator on if he got faster or not.

- Didn't mind Kaut today in the drills, but surprised by how raw he is.

- Similar to Boucher, Lewis was a step ahead from majority of everyone in his group today. He also brought it in a competitive sense.

- Rantanen looked to REALLY struggled today for me, it seemed that the altitude was clearly affecting him.

- Colin Wilson was easily the third best player today after EJ and MacKinnon. He had the desire, work ethic, skating, and skills to dominate everyone else (seemed a lot more fitter compared to last season). He absolutely smoked Varlamov on a couple of shots. Looking forward to see if he's able to contain it consistently or if this was a one-time showing.

- Don't see the point of Mark Alt except on the keyboard.

- Cole is built like an effin tank. There are some limitations to his IQ and defencive awareness, but I really enjoyed what I saw from him today.

- Geertsen with a wonderful flow of hair, but he sadly looked lost and a step behind the play. Got coached by Bednar and Pratt on more than one occasion.

- Girard was throwing his body around A LOT more this season compared to what we've seen.

- Lindholm was brutal with a capital B - got absolutely walked five times today.

- Ottenbreit is my darkhorse candidate from both groups, in terms of pure shutdown defence he was definitely the best player for me. He has the vision, awareness, and skill stick for the defencive side of the game. Really solid showing from him.

- It was only one day, but Zadorov was very meh. The IQ questions are definitely still there.

- In terms of goaltending, Francouz was BY FAR the best goaler there. Varlamov looked solid, but Pavel was levels above everyone. Grubauer was extremely meh to me. Martin looked solid, but we know his weaknesses are not technique/talent. Cannata is cannon fodder.

- Everyone else was meh to the point that they're not worth mentioning.

Did any of these players show up because I didn't see them out there; Downing, Meloche, Shvyrev, Barrie, Warsofsky, and Boikov? Again they might've been and just couldn't spot them due to the jersey situation. I will happily answer any other questions you lads have to the best of my ability.

So francouz showed better than varly? Interesting. What happens if he forces them to play him ?:O

 

[Foppberg]

Plot twist: Francouz outplays both Varly and Grubs and becomes our #1G.

 

[CobraAcesS]

My only real question for those watching camp is.. What's the tally on Mikko falls and how many shots has he passed up?


Oh and how many goals does Kerfoot have that are more akin to a physics major shooting pool than an NHL player.

 

[Pokecheque]

Total side note stuff, but I'm quite surprised that both Girard and Kerfoot are keeping their respective numbers even though the ones they've worn previously are now available. I thought for sure Girard would go back to 94.

 

[Foppa2118]

AOB is the best in the business... and he very good at tailoring to what player's need. That is very positive.

It is kinda funny when I'm the down one on the board for Jost though... projecting a 2nd line winger that pops 20+g and 50+ p while being a good 2 way player is just being so damn down on a player. Might as well scrap him for Bordy!!!

Be honest though do you think 50 points is his peak, or his average season? Big difference. And what happens if he becomes a 50-60 point center?

 

[Foppa2118]

Here are my thoughts...

First off cheap-ass Kroenke can't even put the numbers on jerseys so everyone had to use guesses based upon how they look and what type of numbers resemble what. It was awful. Second off, training camp has turned into a glorified practice which is so hard to get a grasp on players positive and negative. Because of that, it is quite absurd for AJ to determine who's going to be what. However from what I've seen..

MVP of G1: MacKinnon (he's a step ahead of everyone).
MVP of G2: EJ Johnson (he was also on another level from everyone on the defencive side).

- Cody Bass is like McLeod, no sure what the point of him being here is...

- Beaudin has the talent, but if he's not going to take the next step physically (not dishing out hits, but absorbing them) he will not make the NHL. He might be our Bigras of forwards.

- Boucher looking really solid since the prospect tournament, has a nice step on everyone when it comes to skating and a very underrated shot.

- Greer looked good.

- I am hearing a lot about Jost, but didn't really notice too much of a difference compared to last year (where I thought he was solid to begin with). Actual preseason games should be the indicator on if he got faster or not.

- Didn't mind Kaut today in the drills, but surprised by how raw he is.

- Similar to Boucher, Lewis was a step ahead from majority of everyone in his group today. He also brought it in a competitive sense.

- Rantanen looked to REALLY struggled today for me, it seemed that the altitude was clearly affecting him.

- Colin Wilson was easily the third best player today after EJ and MacKinnon. He had the desire, work ethic, skating, and skills to dominate everyone else (seemed a lot more fitter compared to last season). He absolutely smoked Varlamov on a couple of shots. Looking forward to see if he's able to contain it consistently or if this was a one-time showing.

- Don't see the point of Mark Alt except on the keyboard.

- Cole is built like an effin tank. There are some limitations to his IQ and defencive awareness, but I really enjoyed what I saw from him today.

- Geertsen with a wonderful flow of hair, but he sadly looked lost and a step behind the play. Got coached by Bednar and Pratt on more than one occasion.

- Girard was throwing his body around A LOT more this season compared to what we've seen.

- Lindholm was brutal with a capital B - got absolutely walked five times today.

- Ottenbreit is my darkhorse candidate from both groups, in terms of pure shutdown defence he was definitely the best player for me. He has the vision, awareness, and skill stick for the defencive side of the game. Really solid showing from him.

- It was only one day, but Zadorov was very meh. The IQ questions are definitely still there.

- In terms of goaltending, Francouz was BY FAR the best goaler there. Varlamov looked solid, but Pavel was levels above everyone. Grubauer was extremely meh to me. Martin looked solid, but we know his weaknesses are not technique/talent. Cannata is cannon fodder.

- Everyone else was meh to the point that they're not worth mentioning.

Did any of these players show up because I didn't see them out there; Downing, Meloche, Shvyrev, Barrie, Warsofsky, and Boikov? Again they might've been and just couldn't spot them due to the jersey situation. I will happily answer any other questions you lads have to the best of my ability.

Not a lot to read into with drills, but it's good to hear EJ looked strong. Did he look to be moving around well?

How about Wilson, did he look slimmed down and quicker? I have a feeling he's going to go into this season much better conditioned, so he can play Bednar's forechecking system better. At least that's what I think he should do. It helped Bourque.

Always a good sign when vets like Nate and EJ who don't have anything to prove, end up standing out the most early in camp. Speaks to their leadership and motivation for the season.

 

[Avs_19]

It might suck for the local fans but Bednar's reasoning for getting rid of the burgundy/white game makes a lot of sense to me. I didn't realize just how limited they are for time each day.

 

[S E P H]

So francouz showed better than varly? Interesting. What happens if he forces them to play him ?:O

Nah, it sounds like there is a plan beyond that Sakic told Francouz to get him to come over and play in the AHL and Joe isn't a liar. This season it should be Grubs and Varlamov and beyond that who knows?

Not a lot to read into with drills, but it's good to hear EJ looked strong. Did he look to be moving around well?

How about Wilson, did he look slimmed down and quicker? I have a feeling he's going to go into this season much better conditioned, so he can play Bednar's forechecking system better. At least that's what I think he should do. It helped Bourque.

Always a good sign when vets like Nate and EJ who don't have anything to prove, end up standing out the most. Speaks to their leadership and motivation for the season.

EJ looked like his old self, mobility wasn't a probably at all. Wilson did look a tad quicker to pucks, surprisingly used his body effectively, and looked overall fitter. I get what Nashville fans were speaking of when the dude is on his game.

I hope Mars comes around and posts his thoughts so I am not the only one you guys hear from today.

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

I dont think I've ever been more excited for a hockey season then I am this one.


It's very, very rare for a fan base to get to watch a team with as bright of a future as the Avs, a team that will hunt and fight for a playoff spot all season long as one of the youngest teams in the league.... And all while enjoying that aspect of the year, we also get the thrill of watching another team very likely bottom out knowing that at the end of the year that pick is ours and we'll get to pick a future star player while hopefully playing more hockey in April/May month.


Just hurry up and freaking start already. I'm gonna be watching every Colorado game, and every Ottawa game this season no doubt.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

I hope Mars comes around and posts his thoughts so I am not the only one you guys hear from today.

Might be hard to do since he's in Amsterdam..or was at the start of the day anyways.

 

[agentblack]

As much as i want to watch this year like every year since 1996 , this is probably the one year out of the next few that i kinda want to hit the fast forward button.
Like im all "omg so what happened!!??"

 

[Avs_19]

Here are my thoughts...

Appreciate the recap.

Just curious, did they have some set D pairings like the forward lines or was it just random? Bednar has spoken about the lines but I don't believe he has mentioned what they're planning on D.

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

Colorado Opens 2018 Training Camp

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

As much as i want to watch this year like every year since 1996 , this is probably the one year out of the next few that i kinda want to hit the fast forward button.
Like im all "omg so what happened!!??"

You still see this year as a re-build or what? Why fast forward?

This season could be massive for us, though. Ottawa's pick, our potential team looks quite good other than the second line.

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

Z and Lindholm?
G and Johnson?
Nemeth and Cole?

 

[S E P H]

Appreciate the recap.

Just curious, did they have some set D pairings like the forward lines or was it just random? Bednar has spoken about the lines but I don't believe he has mentioned what they're planning on D.

Oh man, that was difficult because the lack of jersey numbers made it almost impossible. I think it was...

- MGM line was intact.
- Zadorov/Nemeth (but this could've been to non-contact jerseys)
- Jost/Kaut/Kerfoot
- Bourque/Soderberg/Neito
- Kamenev/Andrighetto/Wilson
- Defence was all over the place, I think Johnson played with Girard and Anderson played with Geertsen (lol)

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

Hmmm, interesting if Kaut was skating with Jost and Kerfoot.


If that's the case and it continues more then just one day I'd have to wonder if they're not giving him a serious look at making the team right away and at least getting a taste of the game similar to Rantanen his first year in North America.


Dont think Kaut is ready at all, but he's also playing on North America ice for the first time. He could look very different at the end of pre-season versus how he looks right now at the beginning of his adjustment.



Also, even if Francouz goes god mode in camp and pre-season, I dont see a scenario outside of injury where he starts the year in Denver. Grubauer will be given every chance imaginable to earn himself the starting role and Varly unless he gets hurt we know what he will bring.


Would be awesome for Frankie to absolutely dominate the competition in the AHL this year, get a few starts later in the year and do extremely well in that role, and allow us to either A) Trade Varly at the deadline or B) Let Varly walk in the summer and re-sign Frankie to go alongside Grubs in the NHL going forward.


Early to say but his numbers in the KHL speak for themselves, combined with what sounds like a really strong first day of camp and I'd say it's a legit possibility we stole a gem of a player from a lot of other teams this summer.

 

[agentblack]

You still see this year as a re-build or what? Why fast forward?

This season could be massive for us, though. Ottawa's pick, our potential team looks quite good other than the second line.

a bit of everything,
like it just feels esp with Jost, Kerfoot, Kamenev, Ghetto, Timmins, Makar haha so many ...like its a transition/growth/finding their game/theres gonna be regression here and some improvement there but dont expect anything great... year. I think there's a very talented team here , i just dont think they have it yet. like they still gotta grow into that.

And then there's the pick, and i just want to know what happens, like right now lol. Honestly its prob gonna be like 13th but still im itching to know.

Obviously im dying to watch them but idk if this were "The Avs Show" on Netflix, and i already watched the entire show, this is the season id tell me friends to skip. Like the 2nd season of The Wire. just a feeling.

 

[Freudian]

Jost is just 20. He'll be getting his man strength over the next few years.

I'm not overly worried. He's a smart kid and hard worker. I have a feeling he'll make the most of what he has, but he's never going to be a speed demon. Can't do anything about genetics.

 

[Avsboy]

a bit of everything,
like it just feels esp with Jost, Kerfoot, Kamenev, Ghetto, Timmins, Makar haha so many ...like its a transition/growth/finding their game/theres gonna be regression here and some improvement there but dont expect anything great... year. I think there's a very talented team here , i just dont think they have it yet. like they still gotta grow into that.

And then there's the pick, and i just want to know what happens, like right now lol. Honestly its prob gonna be like 13th but still im itching to know.

Obviously im dying to watch them but idk if this were "The Avs Show" on Netflix, and i already watched the entire show, this is the season id tell me friends to skip. Like the 2nd season of The Wire. just a feeling.

Worst case scenario is two top 10 draft picks and Mackinnon scoring 70-80 points. Best case is a nice playoff run, Mack scoring 105+, and, well...another top 10 draft pick. No reason to skip this season. It's a really good draft too.

 

[agentblack]

Worst case scenario is two top 10 draft picks and Mackinnon scoring 70-80 points. Best case is a nice playoff run, Mack scoring 105+, and, well...another top 10 draft pick. No reason to skip this season. It's a really good draft too.

lol im not really gonna skip it honestly and i want to see how the various storylines (not just the Avs) play out but i guess im not as pumped about the roster , not because they arent talented, but because they still got some development to do, there's gonna be some transition with the young players (we hope anyway) etc.