Richard88
John 3:16
- Jun 29, 2019
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Line Combos: 2019-2020 Colorado Avalanche
- Thread starter dahrougem2
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Avsboy
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- Dec 12, 2006
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Watching Bura highlights, he looks like he gets into the right place in the right time and needs someone to pass him the puck.
He is going to have to hang against tougher competition in order to play with line-mates that will significantly boost his production. Which means hes going to have to bring value outside of scoring. That will be a revelation. Hes our new Kerfoot with more size, and less try hard.
Thepoolmaster
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- Dec 3, 2011
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Fair enough. Our PK2 D is going to be rough without Cole to start the year too.
Hmm maybe donskoi over Wilson on pp2 as well.
Perratrooper
Registered User
I kinda wish we went for Miller instead of Bur since we traded Barrie. Would give a bit more confidence to the back end
Richard88
John 3:16
- Jun 29, 2019
- 19,391
- 21,125
I think it's a pretty safe bet that he's going to put up more points.
- Time on the power play (which he didn't in Washington)
- More ice-time than the 11:00 minutes a night he averaged last year.
- Probably playing on a line centered by Kadri and with another decent winger to find him in scoring positions (Landeskog or Jost)
Fairly certain Vegas would've only traded him within the conference if they absolutely had to. It's always the preference of the GM to send a traded player as far out of the division as possible, so I don't think the Avs would've been able to convince M.C.'s Crimmon and Phee to deal him to CO, even if Joe offered up something better.
Besides...they don't need a Colin Miller.
Vaslof
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- Feb 1, 2017
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dahrougem2
Registered User
Once Cole is back, though, he's going to be on PK1 alongside EJ.
PK 2 will likely be Zadorov and one of Girard/Connauton. As tiny as Girard is, he's got exceptional defensive awareness.
I don't think we'll be seeing Cale Makar killing any penalties at all this year. We have to remember this is still his rookie season, he's going to go through growing pains. We can't throw the weight of the world on his shoulders to begin.
Thepoolmaster
Registered User
- Dec 3, 2011
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Yeah I agree with this, but I'm not sure Bednar will. Especially if Connauton doesn't gain his trust early. They don't seem to have an issue throwing Makar in the deep end.
- Aug 25, 2006
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I agree with those that a line of Land-Kadri-Compher would be one of the best shutdown line in the NHL (might even be better with Donskoi instead of Compher) but I really really really don't want to split Landy and Mack. IMO Landy is key to getting maximum production from Mack. IMO he is more important than Mikko to Mack's production. His defensive responsabilities and the space he creates on the first line is what allow Mack to fully be what he is. I would be concerned having a Bura-Mack-Mikko line. I don't think they would that bad defensively but I don't think they would be good enough as well. The only way I split Mack and Landy is if we get Ferland. Ferland could take over Landy's duties on that line. It would be a bit of a downgrade but it would still be pretty good. But again a Ferland-Kadri-Compher line would also be enticing. I said it before...I really wish we had Ferland instead of Bura. He would be a much better fit for this lineup.
You know what's funny? Some of us think Mikko is more important with MacK, but I don't think either take is wrong. I think it depends on what state of mind MacK is on lol. When MacK is on his game Landy is fine, but when MacK is frustrated Mikko often picks up the slack. Both MacK and Mikko seem to go through times where they have more of a shot mentality or more of a pass first mentality.
I know MacK always racks up shot totals, but you can tell when hes deferring at times regardless.
I'm hoping Mikko actually takes another step towards consistency next year. He is going to have a lot of pressure with a new contract.
timothy jimothy
Registered User
- Apr 12, 2019
- 288
- 339
Offense
Landeskog-MacKinnon-Burakovsky
- First of all I'm a believer in splitting up the 9296 line for 5v5 play. Mack and Rants are excellent together, but to get the most out of them I think they need to be on separate lines driving play on their own. I'd keep that 9296 line in your back pocket for specific situations when down late in the game.
- I really like Landy with Mack. Landy allows Mack to focus on doing what he is best at. He also helps out on faceoffs. A line with Landy and Kadri is very tempting, but I think the Mack and Landy duo is so critical to this team's success.
- We gave up a lot to get Burky so I really want to put him in a position to succeed. There is no better spot than right here. I think he does better on the right side. I think his speed and shot play off of Mack really nicely. He's a personality that teammates love to be around, I could really see someone like Landy taking him under his wing. He can't be any worse than Kerfoot was with these guys... Or can he. Either way I definitely would want to see what he does here.
Donskoi-Kadri-Rantanen
- Getting Kadri certainly makes it easier to bump Rantanen to his own line. I think his style of play meshes really well with Rantanen's. Can shoot the puck, can retrieve the puck, can play off the cycle. I think Kadri is a 30 goal scorer next to Rantanen.
- I think Donkey completes what this line excels at. Kind of a mix of what Rantanen and Kadri bring. Win the puck, control the puck.
Wilson-Jost-Compher
- I know that Joe said that Jost would play on Kadri's wing, but I like how Jost came on as a center after being sent down to work on his game. He doesn't really have the strength along the boards to play wing, and he's pretty good at playing a supportive role as a center. I'd really like to see his game continue to grow at this position. That's going to come from sheltering him a bit on the 3rd line with quality linemates.
- I liked how Jost and Compher looked in the playoffs when they were playing together. I think they hide each others' deficiencies a little bit. I'd like to see if there is more to that chemistry. I also think it is safe to say that Compher is a winger at this point.
- I really like that we are bringing Wilson back. Great locker room guy. I think he can play that veteran presence that Jost, and even Compher, can lean on.
Nieto-Bellemare-Calvert
- Honestly not much to say. No complaints, everything you want to see in a 4th line. All 3 should play big roles on the PK, keeping them fresh on the 4th line should help a lot in that regard. I'd like to see Kamenev get into some games here, but also not being in the lineup every game could help him stay healthy.
Defense
Girard-EJ
- I considered putting Girard and Makar together with how they looked in the playoffs, but with the loss of Barrie, I don't really like how Zadorov and EJ look together at even strength.
- Pretty balanced pairing. Girard provides what EJ doesn't and EJ provides what Girard doesn't.
- I would expect this pairing to get the most minutes, but like with the 9296 line, I'd keep the Girard and Makar pairing in your back pocket for specific situations.
Zadorov-Makar
- Similar idea to the first pairing. Makar provides a little of what Z doesn't, Z provides a little of what Makar doesn't.
- I liked how Z was playing with Barrie to end the season, I'd like to see if he can keep that up with a player that offers similar things rather than stick him with EJ.
- Makar should definitely get his shot at being the guy on PP1.
Connauton (Cole)-Byram (Graves/Timmins)
- With Cole injured, I would give Byram his 9 games to start the season in a pretty sheltered role with a chance to earn more. Maybe a little bit of PP2 and PK2 time. Would like to see a veteran guy next to him, preferably someone that can also PK. Connauton seems like the best option there. My plan would be to send Byram down after, but if he shows he absolutely belongs then I have no problem keeping him up with the big boys.
- I also expect Timmins to have a really good training camp, but he should definitely get a few AHL games to get up to speed. With his concussion issues, I'd actually be more comfortable with him in the NHL, especially if we saddled him next to a guy like Zadorov or Cole. He plays a very cerebral game already, I don't think there is much for him to learn in the AHL that he can't learn in the NHL anyway. I would call him up right around the time we would send Byram down, unless of course he looks completely out of place in the AHL.
- I think Graves deserves some time too. Him and Timmins taking turns in the press box could be beneficial for both them. Some time off here and then would be easier on Timmins' conditioning and health. Also more time to learn and digest the game when you are sitting after playing a game.
Goaltending
Grubauer-Francouz
- Not much to say. I think Gru should be more comfortable this year with a season with the Avs under his belt and a more defined role as the starter. I'm also really excited to see how Francouz does, I think he could surprise a lot of people. I expect him to keep Gru on his toes, but also to take off a lot of pressure that is going to come with a starting role for Gru. Very comfortable with this tandem.
Extras
Kamenev, Graves/Timmins, Barberio/Greer
- I'd also like to see Greer get the last spot, but I think they'll go with another defenseman since there are some injuries and question marks back there. Most likely a vet. Barberio isn't my favourite but he seems to best fit that role. Tough call though because then you will likely lose Greer on waivers not really knowing what you have in him. Greer will certainly have to earn his spot in training camp.
- Calle Rosen could be a dark horse pick to make the team out of camp too, but otherwise should be a good pick up for the Eagles.
-------
Of course none of these line combos even matter because with all these new players coming in I expect the Bednar Blender to return in full effect.
Landeskog-MacKinnon-Burakovsky
- First of all I'm a believer in splitting up the 9296 line for 5v5 play. Mack and Rants are excellent together, but to get the most out of them I think they need to be on separate lines driving play on their own. I'd keep that 9296 line in your back pocket for specific situations when down late in the game.
- I really like Landy with Mack. Landy allows Mack to focus on doing what he is best at. He also helps out on faceoffs. A line with Landy and Kadri is very tempting, but I think the Mack and Landy duo is so critical to this team's success.
- We gave up a lot to get Burky so I really want to put him in a position to succeed. There is no better spot than right here. I think he does better on the right side. I think his speed and shot play off of Mack really nicely. He's a personality that teammates love to be around, I could really see someone like Landy taking him under his wing. He can't be any worse than Kerfoot was with these guys... Or can he. Either way I definitely would want to see what he does here.
Donskoi-Kadri-Rantanen
- Getting Kadri certainly makes it easier to bump Rantanen to his own line. I think his style of play meshes really well with Rantanen's. Can shoot the puck, can retrieve the puck, can play off the cycle. I think Kadri is a 30 goal scorer next to Rantanen.
- I think Donkey completes what this line excels at. Kind of a mix of what Rantanen and Kadri bring. Win the puck, control the puck.
Wilson-Jost-Compher
- I know that Joe said that Jost would play on Kadri's wing, but I like how Jost came on as a center after being sent down to work on his game. He doesn't really have the strength along the boards to play wing, and he's pretty good at playing a supportive role as a center. I'd really like to see his game continue to grow at this position. That's going to come from sheltering him a bit on the 3rd line with quality linemates.
- I liked how Jost and Compher looked in the playoffs when they were playing together. I think they hide each others' deficiencies a little bit. I'd like to see if there is more to that chemistry. I also think it is safe to say that Compher is a winger at this point.
- I really like that we are bringing Wilson back. Great locker room guy. I think he can play that veteran presence that Jost, and even Compher, can lean on.
Nieto-Bellemare-Calvert
- Honestly not much to say. No complaints, everything you want to see in a 4th line. All 3 should play big roles on the PK, keeping them fresh on the 4th line should help a lot in that regard. I'd like to see Kamenev get into some games here, but also not being in the lineup every game could help him stay healthy.
Defense
Girard-EJ
- I considered putting Girard and Makar together with how they looked in the playoffs, but with the loss of Barrie, I don't really like how Zadorov and EJ look together at even strength.
- Pretty balanced pairing. Girard provides what EJ doesn't and EJ provides what Girard doesn't.
- I would expect this pairing to get the most minutes, but like with the 9296 line, I'd keep the Girard and Makar pairing in your back pocket for specific situations.
Zadorov-Makar
- Similar idea to the first pairing. Makar provides a little of what Z doesn't, Z provides a little of what Makar doesn't.
- I liked how Z was playing with Barrie to end the season, I'd like to see if he can keep that up with a player that offers similar things rather than stick him with EJ.
- Makar should definitely get his shot at being the guy on PP1.
Connauton (Cole)-Byram (Graves/Timmins)
- With Cole injured, I would give Byram his 9 games to start the season in a pretty sheltered role with a chance to earn more. Maybe a little bit of PP2 and PK2 time. Would like to see a veteran guy next to him, preferably someone that can also PK. Connauton seems like the best option there. My plan would be to send Byram down after, but if he shows he absolutely belongs then I have no problem keeping him up with the big boys.
- I also expect Timmins to have a really good training camp, but he should definitely get a few AHL games to get up to speed. With his concussion issues, I'd actually be more comfortable with him in the NHL, especially if we saddled him next to a guy like Zadorov or Cole. He plays a very cerebral game already, I don't think there is much for him to learn in the AHL that he can't learn in the NHL anyway. I would call him up right around the time we would send Byram down, unless of course he looks completely out of place in the AHL.
- I think Graves deserves some time too. Him and Timmins taking turns in the press box could be beneficial for both them. Some time off here and then would be easier on Timmins' conditioning and health. Also more time to learn and digest the game when you are sitting after playing a game.
Goaltending
Grubauer-Francouz
- Not much to say. I think Gru should be more comfortable this year with a season with the Avs under his belt and a more defined role as the starter. I'm also really excited to see how Francouz does, I think he could surprise a lot of people. I expect him to keep Gru on his toes, but also to take off a lot of pressure that is going to come with a starting role for Gru. Very comfortable with this tandem.
Extras
Kamenev, Graves/Timmins, Barberio/Greer
- I'd also like to see Greer get the last spot, but I think they'll go with another defenseman since there are some injuries and question marks back there. Most likely a vet. Barberio isn't my favourite but he seems to best fit that role. Tough call though because then you will likely lose Greer on waivers not really knowing what you have in him. Greer will certainly have to earn his spot in training camp.
- Calle Rosen could be a dark horse pick to make the team out of camp too, but otherwise should be a good pick up for the Eagles.
-------
Of course none of these line combos even matter because with all these new players coming in I expect the Bednar Blender to return in full effect.
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Perratrooper
Registered User
I agree with the first half, but not sure about us not needing him. Matter is Meloche/Timmins is ready to play next year at a decent level imo.
They stand a chance of having the best stable of RHD in the entire league very soon. They don't need another one. Better he goes somewhere where he actually is needed to bolster a blueline in serious need.
I'll give some of y'all credit so far, no one is making the idiotic suggestion of bringing aboard Rasmus Ristolainen...yet.
BrickNHL
Registered User
- Feb 25, 2019
- 3,000
- 7,449
What does everyone think about adding Ristolainen? A RHD who could help replace Barrie's production on defense.
Perratrooper
Registered User
I'm a sucker for NHL quality depth on the back end. I think we have added quite a few 7th dmen this off season, which is great if we make a run, but would much prefer having a 4/5. But I get what you're saying as our offensive depth severely lacked last season so you are probably right that its better to bring in a forward vs a D is a better call.
HugeMetalFan
Registered User
- Jul 30, 2015
- 199
- 148
What's the situation with Timmins regarding expansion draft? Is he eligible to be drafted despite not playing any professional game in 2018/19? Or is he exempt?
Richard88
John 3:16
- Jun 29, 2019
- 19,391
- 21,125
There was a discussion about this last week in the prospect thread iirc. He's eligible for the draft, but the NHL might allow him to be exempt due to his long-term injury situation.
Northern Avs Fan
Registered User
- May 27, 2019
- 21,970
- 29,648
This is what I would like to see, not what I think is going to happen.
Burakovsky - MacKinnon - Rants
Landeskog - Kadri - Compher
Wilson - Jost - Donskoi
Nieto - Belly - Calvert
Girard - Makar
Zadorov - Johnson
Byram - Rosen
(Cole slots back in when he’s healthy and Connauton is depth)
Grubby
Franky
*Addition: I’m swapping in Byram because I think he’ll make the team.
Burakovsky - MacKinnon - Rants
Landeskog - Kadri - Compher
Wilson - Jost - Donskoi
Nieto - Belly - Calvert
Girard - Makar
Zadorov - Johnson
Byram - Rosen
(Cole slots back in when he’s healthy and Connauton is depth)
Grubby
Franky
*Addition: I’m swapping in Byram because I think he’ll make the team.
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flyfysher
Registered User
- Mar 21, 2012
- 6,558
- 5,191
I don't foresee Greer making it to the NHL with the Avs. I'm probably wrong but I think he's not JB's type of player because he takes too many penalties. Seems to me that Greer is the Cody McLeod sort of player that his fans want. Doesn't strike me as high IQ but I admit, I haven't watched him that closely. I'm guessing JB would prefer Dries to Greer for the grittiness factor although Dries occasionally takes the aggressive penalty too. However, the kid in the Eagles that caught my eye was O'Connor.
Northern Avs Fan
Registered User
- May 27, 2019
- 21,970
- 29,648
I’m going to add PP units.
PP one I’m going with one D:
Mack, Rants, Landy, Kadri, Makar
PP two: Jost, Compher, Burakovsky, Girard, Byram.
Bill Peckerskull
Fargin' Icehole
Donkey/Mack/Rants
Landy/Kads/Bura
JTC/Jost/Willy
LBN/Bella/Cal
Kam/Dries
G/EJ
Z/Makar
Cole/Byrum
Barbs/Conn/Gravy
Gru
Frank
Landy/Kads/Bura
JTC/Jost/Willy
LBN/Bella/Cal
Kam/Dries
G/EJ
Z/Makar
Cole/Byrum
Barbs/Conn/Gravy
Gru
Frank
ADDED
Nazem Kadri / GP 73 G 16 A 28 44P A/TOI 16:11 P/60 2.23 FO 55.2%
Joonas Donskoi / GP 80 G 14 A 23 37P A/TOI 13:25 P/60 2.07
Andre Burakovsky / GP 76 G 12 A 13 25P A/TOI 11:08 P/60 1.77
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare / GP 76 G 6 A 9 15P A/TOI 12:26 P/60 .95 FO 54.7%
Cale Makar / GP 82 G 10 A 30 P 40 A/TOI 20:00 (PROJECTION)
Pavel Francouz / 1.97 GA .943 S% (S 35 2 GA)
Totals : P 161 G 58 (Forwards only GP 305 P/60 7.02)
LOST
Carl Soderberg / 82 GP 23G 26A 49P A/TOI 17:27 P/60 2.05 FO 49.3%
Alexander Kerfoot / 78GP 15G 27A 42P A/TOI 14:53 P/60 2.17 FO 56%
Derick Brassard / 70GP 14G 14A 28P A/TOI 15:00 P/60 .80 FO 50.7%
Sven Andrighetto / 64GP 7G 10A 17P A/TOI 11:04 P/60 1.44
Gabe Bourque / 55GP 2G 6A 8P A/TOI 9:44 P/60 .90
Tyson Barrie / 78GP 14G 45A 59P A/TOI 21:47 P/60 2.08
Semyon Varlamov / GP 49 2.87 GA .909 S%
Totals : P 144 G 61 (Forwards only GP 349 P/60 7.36)
I decided to do this basically from the TDL. I usually argue about improving the team over the final game of the season, but these are regular season stats. So I thought it made sense to do it from that point.
Makar is obviously a projection, but his playoffs stats were; GP 10 G 1 A 5 P 6 A/TOI 17::22 P/60 2.07. Which funny enough projects at a 49 point pace over 82 games. Scoring 40 points as a rookie is a big deal, but I didn't feel it was fair to go with less than 40p for the regular season because he did it in 10 of the toughest games of the year, and he should be the man on PP1 unless he just completely falters. I'm not sure if he'll average 20 minutes, but it is probably going to be close.
That it is damn close. 17 more points for the IN group, and 3 less goals. Using four forwards instead of five. I didn't do a projection for Kadri because I was going to give him 50P 20/30 anyways just to be conservative. Hes close enough to that already.
Makar has to be pretty amazing, but not necessarily as good as Barrie for the IN group to actually beat the OUT going group. Which I find interesting. I thought it would be a wider gap even using a pretty favorable (but not crazy) projection for Makar.
Also I didn't bother with the depth D like Nemeth and Cotton. We just have no clue who will be there at the end of the day and their contribution offensively is going to likely be minuscule. Oh and I just added the goalies in there for funzies, and some Frank optimism.
Obviously feel free to point out any mistakes. I did this with two double Bourbons in me and off and on from 10pm-Midnight. So don't hold em against me too much.
Definitely interesting to see broken down this way.
Nazem Kadri / GP 73 G 16 A 28 44P A/TOI 16:11 P/60 2.23 FO 55.2%
Joonas Donskoi / GP 80 G 14 A 23 37P A/TOI 13:25 P/60 2.07
Andre Burakovsky / GP 76 G 12 A 13 25P A/TOI 11:08 P/60 1.77
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare / GP 76 G 6 A 9 15P A/TOI 12:26 P/60 .95 FO 54.7%
Cale Makar / GP 82 G 10 A 30 P 40 A/TOI 20:00 (PROJECTION)
Pavel Francouz / 1.97 GA .943 S% (S 35 2 GA)
Totals : P 161 G 58 (Forwards only GP 305 P/60 7.02)
LOST
Carl Soderberg / 82 GP 23G 26A 49P A/TOI 17:27 P/60 2.05 FO 49.3%
Alexander Kerfoot / 78GP 15G 27A 42P A/TOI 14:53 P/60 2.17 FO 56%
Derick Brassard / 70GP 14G 14A 28P A/TOI 15:00 P/60 .80 FO 50.7%
Sven Andrighetto / 64GP 7G 10A 17P A/TOI 11:04 P/60 1.44
Gabe Bourque / 55GP 2G 6A 8P A/TOI 9:44 P/60 .90
Tyson Barrie / 78GP 14G 45A 59P A/TOI 21:47 P/60 2.08
Semyon Varlamov / GP 49 2.87 GA .909 S%
Totals : P 144 G 61 (Forwards only GP 349 P/60 7.36)
I decided to do this basically from the TDL. I usually argue about improving the team over the final game of the season, but these are regular season stats. So I thought it made sense to do it from that point.
Makar is obviously a projection, but his playoffs stats were; GP 10 G 1 A 5 P 6 A/TOI 17::22 P/60 2.07. Which funny enough projects at a 49 point pace over 82 games. Scoring 40 points as a rookie is a big deal, but I didn't feel it was fair to go with less than 40p for the regular season because he did it in 10 of the toughest games of the year, and he should be the man on PP1 unless he just completely falters. I'm not sure if he'll average 20 minutes, but it is probably going to be close.
That it is damn close. 17 more points for the IN group, and 3 less goals. Using four forwards instead of five. I didn't do a projection for Kadri because I was going to give him 50P 20/30 anyways just to be conservative. Hes close enough to that already.
Makar has to be pretty amazing, but not necessarily as good as Barrie for the IN group to actually beat the OUT going group. Which I find interesting. I thought it would be a wider gap even using a pretty favorable (but not crazy) projection for Makar.
Also I didn't bother with the depth D like Nemeth and Cotton. We just have no clue who will be there at the end of the day and their contribution offensively is going to likely be minuscule. Oh and I just added the goalies in there for funzies, and some Frank optimism.
Obviously feel free to point out any mistakes. I did this with two double Bourbons in me and off and on from 10pm-Midnight. So don't hold em against me too much.
Definitely interesting to see broken down this way.
Last edited:
flyfysher
Registered User
- Mar 21, 2012
- 6,558
- 5,191
So what are the Avs' remaining areas of concern? A proven depth G and bottom 4 RHD?
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