Rumor: 2024-2025 Trade Rumors and Free Agency Talk | Part Deux

[ABasin]

Yeah, KKOC will be second in ice-time in the playoffs for Bednar after the 1st line.

He will never split them up. Trusts all three guys to the end of the Earth.

And as a 4th line, he probably should. Nothing wrong with that 4th line.

 

[flyfysher]

@Foppa2118

Who would you prefer at 2C if CMac could swing it, Zacha or Cozens? Or keep Mitts? Try Necas?

 

[ABasin]

If anything, the Avalanche need a 3C.

I've liked Drury since he came over, but facts are facts: he's on pace for 19 points. That is not 3C production.

The Avs are set at depth 3rd/4th line center. They have Kelly/Drury now, and could plug in Colton/Parssinen if they had to, if injuries occur. Maybe a bit light offensively, but otherwise pretty solid.

The problem is 2C. Period, end of story.

 

[hockeyfish]

@Foppa2118

Who would you prefer at 2C if CMac could swing it, Zacha or Cozens? Or keep Mitts? Try Necas?

Zacha, Cozens, Necas, Mitts.

 

[dahrougem2]

The question should just be “you actually
going to play them?”

Honestly lol.

"So uhh Jared, if I bring this guy in who hits like crazy are you going to play him 6 minutes? Yes. Solid. F*** me, pal."

 

[CobraAcesS]

Zacha, Cozens, Necas, Mitts.

Zacha being used as a 1C is miss cast. He wouldn't face as difficult of competition here, but he'd still rock near PPG wingers, or Lehhky. I think I'd take the shot on him.

An all situations guy like that would be trusted by Bednar far more than Mitts too.

 

[Foppa2118]

@Foppa2118

Who would you prefer at 2C if CMac could swing it, Zacha or Cozens? Or keep Mitts? Try Necas?

I've been leaning toward Zacha lately personally. I had some detailed thoughts about him earlier. Similar point totals as Mitts, so he may be a bit of an underwhelming addition, but maybe he's a better stylistic fit for Bednar than Mitts? With the lack of options, he makes more sense than some other candidates.

I've also been curious about Cozens but that obviously comes with a lot of risk. I just think Buffalo is such a mess that nobody on that team is really playing to their potential. I think they may need an overhaul from top to bottom.

Necas I think probably won't play C for the same reasons Mikko didn't. They want someone like that on wing, especially Nate's wing.

Also just wanted to say I appreciate your last response for clarification. I'm glad you made it and I didn't feel the need to respond and keep the discussion going.

 

[flyfysher]

I've been leaning toward Zacha lately personally. I had some detailed thoughts about him earlier. Similar point totals as Mitts, so he may be a bit of an underwhelming addition, but maybe he's a better stylistic fit for Bednar than Mitts? With the lack of options, he makes more sense than some other candidates.

I've also been curious about Cozens but that obviously comes with a lot of risk. I just think Buffalo is such a mess that nobody on that team is really playing to their potential. I think they may need an overhaul from top to bottom.

Necas I think probably won't play C for the same reasons Mikko didn't. They want someone like that on wing, especially Nate's wing.

Also just wanted to say I appreciate your last response for clarification. I'm glad you made it and I didn't feel the need to respond and keep the discussion going.

I respect you and the analyses in your posts. I’m as acerbic as RIAL now. Sorry @RIAL

 

[hockeyfish]

Zacha being used as a 1C is miss cast. He wouldn't face as difficult of competition here, but he'd still rock near PPG wingers, or Lehhky. I think I'd take the shot on him.

An all situations guy like that would be trusted by Bednar far more than Mitts too.

Zacha isn’t a great skater, much like Mitts. So, his 5x5 play isn’t great. But unlike Mitts, he’s physical, has a hard shot, good on both the PP and PK, good on draws, and a lower cap hit. I’d have no problem swapping the two and would add to mitts to make it happen.

 

[forsbergavs32]

Zacha isn’t a great skater, much like Mitts. So, his 5x5 play isn’t great. But unlike Mitts, he’s physical, has a hard shot, good on both the PP and PK, good on draws, and a lower cap hit. I’d have no problem swapping the two and would add to mitts to make it happen.

I don't think he necessarily needs to be Mack or Marty out there, but can skate well enough to keep up with some combo of Nuke, Lehk, Drouin.

 

[Foppa2118]

Zacha isn’t a great skater, much like Mitts. So, his 5x5 play isn’t great. But unlike Mitts, he’s physical, has a hard shot, good on both the PP and PK, good on draws, and a lower cap hit. I’d have no problem swapping the two and would add to mitts to make it happen.

IMO Mitts skates fine to play for Bednar. It's not ideal, but I believe the problem is his stylistic approach. He tries to do too much every shift, and if his gas tank is being sapped, that's the main cause for it.

The style he chooses to play also requires physical battles that he doesn't seem strong enough for. This could also play a part in his gas tank being sapped, if that's part of the issue.

Not sure how Zacha's speed compares to Mitts, you may be more knowledgable on that, but Zacha will at least be able to win more physical battles as a stronger man, and that's a big part of both the Avs possession game in the O zone, and Bednar's system that relies on a hard forecheck to create turnovers.

Also as you mention, he's more of a shooter, and that alone could make him a better fit for this Avs team at 2C, even if all else is equal between him and Mitts.

 

[CobraAcesS]

Zacha isn’t a great skater, much like Mitts. So, his 5x5 play isn’t great. But unlike Mitts, he’s physical, has a hard shot, good on both the PP and PK, good on draws, and a lower cap hit. I’d have no problem swapping the two and would add to mitts to make it happen.

Actually the 18 to 20mph rates were good for a guy his size. 93% that's legit, and top speed isn't everything.

If you're big, and can close distance at a good rate you don't need to be a burner. At 6'4 207 he's just fine.

Well, I'll add, if you actually play like you're big.

 

[Foppa2118]

The Avs are set at depth 3rd/4th line center. They have Kelly/Drury now, and could plug in Colton/Parssinen if they had to, if injuries occur. Maybe a bit light offensively, but otherwise pretty solid.

The problem is 2C. Period, end of story.

I'm actually somehwat optimistic that Drury has more offense in him than he's shown.

He's shown me a noticeable step up in hockey IQ from Colton the way he reads plays and distributes pucks. He also seems to have a pretty good shot.

If they can get some horses back, and he can build some chemistry with some consistent linemates that are true 3rd liners, I think he could be a pretty good 3C for this team. We'll have to see though.

Parssinen also looks pretty good to me. I would have been ok giving him a look at 3C, but having him play wing, or 4C and keeping him as another option for depth is good too.

If Gabe comes back, I actually like the idea of a Landy - Drury - Pars/LOC line.

I think Gabe and Drury could be a good stylistic fit in a way that Gabe was a good stylistic fit with ROR, playing that simple cycle game + go to the net in the O zone, while being responsible defensively style, and both Pars and LOC fit that style well too.

 

[CobraAcesS]

IMO Mitts skates fine to play for Bednar. It's not ideal, but I believe the problem is his stylistic approach. He tries to do too much every shift, and if his gas tank is being sapped, that's the main cause for it.

The style he chooses to play also requires physical battles that he doesn't seem strong enough for. This could also play a part in his gas tank being sapped, if that's part of the issue.

Not sure how Zacha's speed compares to Mitts, you may be more knowledgable on that, but Zacha will at least be able to win more physical battles as a stronger man, and that's a big part of both the Avs possession game in the O zone, and Bednar's system that relies on a hard forecheck to create turnovers.

Also as you mention, he's more of a shooter, and that alone could make him a better fit for this Avs team at 2C, even if all else is equal between him and Mitts.

Mitts is actually faster than you might think, but he doesn't play the body, like ever.

 

[GirardSpinorama]

Mitts is actually faster than you might think, but he doesn't play the body, like ever.

View attachment 975398

Mitts does try to protect the puck alot with his body a lot but hes not physical in initiating hitds Like trying to play Jagr's game without the requisite strength. If he isnt so down on himself and just make simple plays to nuke, he'll be okay.

 

[CobraAcesS]

IMO Mitts skates fine to play for Bednar. It's not ideal, but I believe the problem is his stylistic approach. He tries to do too much every shift, and if his gas tank is being sapped, that's the main cause for it.

The style he chooses to play also requires physical battles that he doesn't seem strong enough for. This could also play a part in his gas tank being sapped, if that's part of the issue.

Not sure how Zacha's speed compares to Mitts, you may be more knowledgable on that, but Zacha will at least be able to win more physical battles as a stronger man, and that's a big part of both the Avs possession game in the O zone, and Bednar's system that relies on a hard forecheck to create turnovers.

Also as you mention, he's more of a shooter, and that alone could make him a better fit for this Avs team at 2C, even if all else is equal between him and Mitts.

Definitely shoots more.

 

[BobRossColton]

If we go after Zacha, can we send them Wood with Mitts?

Or are we sending Wood to Chicago in the Jones move?

 

[AllAboutAvs]

Mitts is actually faster than you might think, but he doesn't play the body, like ever.

View attachment 975398

Could you post Zacha, pls?

 

[CobraAcesS]

For what Bednar would want, Zacha is actually much better fit. He's good at faceoffs, 27th in Selke voting last year, PK, above 50% on faceoffs.

Could you post Zacha, pls?

Just did right before your post.

The 93% in 18 to 20 mph tells me he's not slow. As an example ROR is below 50% in literally every category. That's slow.

 

[Foppa2118]

Mitts is actually faster than you might think, but he doesn't play the body, like ever.

View attachment 975398

Yeah I tend to agree, but I also think these rankings have a lot to do with Mitts going flat out every shift, trying to do too much.

He really just needs to find moments during a shift to dial back his skating a tad to conserve energy, simplify his game with more high percentage plays, and read the play more instead of forcing plays faster than he's reading them, but I'm a broken record on that I know.

He's capable of being better than he's shown. I don't think he's going to change his approach this year at the very least though. He just keeps playing the same way, despite it not bringing him the kind of success he wants.

 

[CobraAcesS]

Yeah I tend to agree, but I also think these rankings have a lot to do with Mitts going flat out every shift, trying to do too much.

He really just needs to find moments during a shift to dial back his skating a tad to conserve energy, simplify his game with more high percentage plays, and read the play more instead of forcing plays faster than he's reading them, but I'm a broken record on that I know.

He's capable of being better than he's shown. I don't think he's going to change his approach this year at the very least though. He just keeps playing the same way, despite it not bringing him the kind of success he wants.

He is, but stylistically, Zacha is way more of a Bednar type player.

Just for fun, here is Kadri, it looks a lot more like Zacha, and Zacha is faster.

 

[AllAboutAvs]

Is Zacha available though?

 

[CobraAcesS]

Is Zacha available though?

Apparently Boston has some interest in Mitts. I could see it. Mitts has more raw offensive skill than Zacha and they play a slower game.

If we were to add to Mitts for Zacha I bet they'd take it. Mitts has flashed PPG potential.

We actually need the all situations guy, and they need more raw skill and playmaking ability.

 

[Foppa2118]

Definitely shoots more.

View attachment 975401

View attachment 975403

This is interesting thanks. This actually matches what I had heard about Zacha being a decent skater.

I think these stats have the potential to be misleading because they don't control for external factors like team playing style, but comparatively it makes Zacha look like he has better acceleration in his skating than Mitts. And that's with Mitts playing on a team that emphasizes skating at a high pace more than Boston.

Mitts has the better top speed at 23.07 mph in the 89th percentile vs Zacha at 22.17 mph and below the 50th percentile.

Some of the other categories are in Zacha's favor though.

58th percentile for Zacha vs below the 50th percentile for Mitts in 22+ mph bursts.

66th percentile for Mitts vs 67 in 20-22 mph bursts is essentially a wash.

93rd percentile for Zacha vs 87 for Mitts in 18-20 mph bursts.

Those Kadri numbers are kind what I mean about taking these with a grain of salt though. We know Kadri is a pretty quick skater, and was one of the quicker players playing Bednar's system, but those rankings make it look like he's not so great. I didn't see a noticeable drop in his skating in the Calgary game either.

 

[CobraAcesS]

This is interesting thanks. This actually matches what I had heard about Zacha being a decent skater.

I think these stats have the potential to be misleading because they don't control for external factors like team playing style, but comparatively it makes Zacha look like he has better acceleration in his skating than Mitts. And that's with Mitts playing on a team that emphasizes skating at a high pace more than Boston.

Mitts has the better top speed at 23.07 mph in the 89th percentile vs Zacha at 22.17 mph and below the 50th percentile.

Some of the other categories are in Zacha's favor though.

58th percentile for Zacha vs below the 50th percentile for Mitts in 22+ mph bursts.

66th percentile for Mitts vs 67 in 20-22 mph bursts is essentially a wash.

93rd percentile for Zacha vs 87 for Mitts in 18-20 mph bursts.

Those Kadri numbers are kind what I mean about taking these with a grain of salt though. We know Kadri is a pretty quick skater, and was one of the quicker players playing Bednar's system, but those rankings make it look like he's not so great. I didn't see a noticeable drop in his skating in the Calgary game either.

Kadri has never been that fast. You all need to go take some soap and wash that out. He's a cerebral shooter who uses his wingers to do the defensive work.

It's why I was right about them finally putting Nuke and Bura on his wings.

He needs guys he can lean on in different areas of the game.