Rumor: 2024-2025 Trade Rumors and Free Agency Talk | The Slow Crawl to the Season

[RoyIsALegend]

This is obviously, just one opinion. And I'm not advocating for claiming him. But for @RoyIsALegend

This doesn’t tell me anything I don’t know.

He skates fast and works hard. I know that. Nieto and others are plain white bread. I know that.

I said he’s uncoachable and can’t adapt to systems or what he’s being asked to do.

I’ve watched tons of him to know what type of player he is. Not a player for Jared Bednar.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

Sometimes the organization needs to take a longer view on things versus winning the next game. Giving Prishchepov 20 minutes of ice time a night in a competitive pro league will do more for his development than whatever scraps he gets with the parent club. It's true that the AHL isn't as fast as the NHL, but it's faster and more physical than the QMJHL, and gaining the reps to make plays at speed will serve him well no matter which line he ends up on in the NHL

If he is continually the best player on the ice for the Eagles, I'm sure he'll get recalled for the stretch run and the playoffs if there are spots open in the lineup due to injuries or whatever

Naw man.... the AVs often take too long a view on their bottom six forwards and depth defensemen. They have had no desire or ability to make kids better. They've had success at making folks capable of taking 6 minutes in the NHL but not much more than that.

Why would we ever allow a player with potential to play for our AHL team?

 

[expatriatedtexan]

Next year we will have another vet bottom six that Bednar likes better than Nikita. The following year Nikita might be given a chance but he will also be fighting a new group of vets brought in to challenge him.

Bednar will always take the vet. So if we want the best from Nikita we should be trading him this season. This shit of stashing any possible bottom of the roster talent in the AHL until some undefined measurement stick is met seems like the wrong way to run a team to me.

Sorry. I think this is also part of the reason why I wouldn't mind Bednar be changed out. He's just been here too long without anyone challenging him or his instincts.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

You are of the opinion that Prischepov is a bottom six player and *only* a bottom six player.

The Avs may disagree with you there. He has impressed them so much since getting drafted to where he got his ELC and an NHL call up at age 20. They might be thinking there's a potential Lehkonen replacement down the line here instead of just a plug and play 4th liner.

Not really. I'm just saying that if you want to coax offense out of of a bottom sixer, telling him to play like a top six forward isn't the right way to go about it. He is NOT a top six forward. Get that shit out of your head right now. Now... can he be an offesnive 3rd/4th line forward is up to discussion. The most important thing in this role is to be trusted by the coach to play minutes. Bednar doesn't REQUIRE points from the the bottom six but he does need some and he needs it more consistenatly than the Avs have provided. Prischepov is an interesting point of conversation because he's straddling the line between what you want form a middle-six vs bottom six forward.

I just happen to believe there is nothing preventing him from growing in the NHL; while our AHL team has shown time and time again they can't create players. I actually believe our AHL system is a negative. They can polish shit until it shines likes a #6 Dman...but outside of that, I have to ask what has the Avs development team done? If they can't work with Jost, Newhook, etc... what makes anyone think it will be different with trying to get a much less talented forward to become higher scoring?

 

[PAZ]

Not really. I'm just saying that if you want to coax offense out of of a bottom sixer, telling him to play like a top six forward isn't the right way to go about it. He is NOT a top six forward. Get that shit out of your head right now. Now... can he be an offesnive 3rd/4th line forward is up to discussion. The most important thing in this role is to be trusted by the coach to play minutes. Bednar doesn't REQUIRE points from the the bottom six but he does need some and he needs it more consistenatly than the Avs have provided. Prischepov is an interesting point of conversation because he's straddling the line between what you want form a middle-six vs bottom six forward.

I just happen to believe there is nothing preventing him from growing in the NHL; while our AHL team has shown time and time again they can't create players. I actually believe our AHL system is a negative. They can polish shit until it shines likes a #6 Dman...but outside of that, I have to ask what has the Avs development team done? If they can't work with Jost, Newhook, etc... what makes anyone think it will be different with trying to get a much less talented forward to become higher scoring?

Jost and Newhook probably aren't the best examples for your argument, considering they both spent less than 20 games in the AHL. If anything, there's an argument they should've spent more time there.

The main issue lies within the scouting rather than the development.

 

[Pokecheque]

Stodgy

adjective

1. 1.
   dull and uninspired.
   "some of the material is rather stodgy and top-heavy with facts"

Not my understanding of the word but in a way I may have given him a compliment if I accused him of being top-heavy with facts!

 

[Pokecheque]

Okay... Just wanted to say I'm shutting up. I just realized how hard I've been pushing Prischepov. Didn't mean for it to come out like a hill I was willing to die on, but it did.

I'm just f***ing pissed that we have a viable homegrown bottom six talent and we are throwing away assets for players to cockblock him because... we want to turn him into a top six forward? Seriously? This is the reason to have a substandard player in the NHL roster... because we hope a 4th line forward can become a second line one if allowed a chance to play against inferrior players?

Honestly I don’t think he’s a top six guy, I just think there might be more than your average depth grinder. IMO the best way to figure that out is what they’re doing now.

I get your frustration. In fact, I share it. But getting more proven depth forwards is a good move, they don’t have time to use an NHL roster spot to develop a 20 year old. They need to win NOW.

 

[flyfysher]

Not really. I'm just saying that if you want to coax offense out of of a bottom sixer, telling him to play like a top six forward isn't the right way to go about it. He is NOT a top six forward. Get that shit out of your head right now. Now... can he be an offesnive 3rd/4th line forward is up to discussion. The most important thing in this role is to be trusted by the coach to play minutes. Bednar doesn't REQUIRE points from the the bottom six but he does need some and he needs it more consistenatly than the Avs have provided. Prischepov is an interesting point of conversation because he's straddling the line between what you want form a middle-six vs bottom six forward.

I just happen to believe there is nothing preventing him from growing in the NHL; while our AHL team has shown time and time again they can't create players. I actually believe our AHL system is a negative. They can polish shit until it shines likes a #6 Dman...but outside of that, I have to ask what has the Avs development team done? If they can't work with Jost, Newhook, etc... what makes anyone think it will be different with trying to get a much less talented forward to become higher scoring?

Well LOC came from the Eagles.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

Jost and Newhook probably aren't the best examples for your argument, considering they both spent less than 20 games in the AHL. If anything, there's an argument they should've spent more time there.

The main issue lies within the scouting rather than the development.

The issue is that the Avs don't realize bottom six forwards when they see them.

They've drafted and developed all of their players the exact same way and it keeps failing. At some point they need to embrace getting a bottom six forward and cultivate that.

Attempting to turn a 7TH round draft pic into a top six forward is absolutely well beyond the abilities of anyone in the Avs development department. That shit is on the player, and playing him in a lower league against lower competition that is playing a game unlike what is played in the NHL is not what I think is in the best interst of the players or for teams. I think too often bottom sixers are sent to the AHL to develop offense that isn't there. You'e got a guy who is young and defensiley sound... don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Take the win, and use it.

 

[Murzu]

Also, good luck wrestling Parker Kelly away from Bednar.

He’s currently our 3C, #1 PK forward, and Bednar trusts him in all three zones.

Repeat after me: we don't win a cup with Kelly as 3C. He sucks offensively.

This doesn’t tell me anything I don’t know.

He skates fast and works hard. I know that. Nieto and others are plain white bread. I know that.

I said he’s uncoachable and can’t adapt to systems or what he’s being asked to do.

I’ve watched tons of him to know what type of player he is. Not a player for Jared Bednar.

Puljujärvi is dumb dumb. There isn't an NHLer there.

 

[lionsDen]

Not really. I'm just saying that if you want to coax offense out of of a bottom sixer, telling him to play like a top six forward isn't the right way to go about it. He is NOT a top six forward. Get that shit out of your head right now. Now... can he be an offesnive 3rd/4th line forward is up to discussion. The most important thing in this role is to be trusted by the coach to play minutes. Bednar doesn't REQUIRE points from the the bottom six but he does need some and he needs it more consistenatly than the Avs have provided. Prischepov is an interesting point of conversation because he's straddling the line between what you want form a middle-six vs bottom six forward.

I just happen to believe there is nothing preventing him from growing in the NHL; while our AHL team has shown time and time again they can't create players. I actually believe our AHL system is a negative. They can polish shit until it shines likes a #6 Dman...but outside of that, I have to ask what has the Avs development team done? If they can't work with Jost, Newhook, etc... what makes anyone think it will be different with trying to get a much less talented forward to become higher scoring?

Take a look at other sports high school football to college and all the players that wash out … then college to pro. They’ll just never reach that peak. All teams and all leagues have JAGs. Some players just can’t elevate.

 

[dahrougem2]

Not really. I'm just saying that if you want to coax offense out of of a bottom sixer, telling him to play like a top six forward isn't the right way to go about it. He is NOT a top six forward. Get that shit out of your head right now. Now... can he be an offesnive 3rd/4th line forward is up to discussion. The most important thing in this role is to be trusted by the coach to play minutes. Bednar doesn't REQUIRE points from the the bottom six but he does need some and he needs it more consistenatly than the Avs have provided. Prischepov is an interesting point of conversation because he's straddling the line between what you want form a middle-six vs bottom six forward.

I just happen to believe there is nothing preventing him from growing in the NHL; while our AHL team has shown time and time again they can't create players. I actually believe our AHL system is a negative. They can polish shit until it shines likes a #6 Dman...but outside of that, I have to ask what has the Avs development team done? If they can't work with Jost, Newhook, etc... what makes anyone think it will be different with trying to get a much less talented forward to become higher scoring?

Why is it that you are adamant he is a bottom sixer and only a bottom sixer? He's 20 years old. I'm not saying he WILL develop into a top six forward, but he's got 11 points in 18 games in his first pro season. That's a much better pace than a guy like Ivan Ivan last season, so at least early on it looks like there MIGHT be a bit more than 4th line NHLer potential. No point in having him play 5 minutes per night with the big club when he can play offensive roles in the AHL.

 

[Alienblood]

The key as always with Bednar and bottom sixers is speed. Aube-Kubel and Helm had no issue during their time with the Avs, dare I say even thrived, because they could indeed crash and bang but could hustle back into position immediately afterwards. Trenin obviously didn't have the speed, and I can't remember if Duhaime did, I feel like that was more of a hockey IQ issue. Either way, neither guy was able to make much of a contribution and looked visibly stilted during their short time in Denver.

Not justifying Bednar's thinking here, if anything he needs to go back to the way things were a bit when Soderberg played a key role on his team. In one way Soda was viewed as something holding him back from implementing the system he wanted, but he allowed enough flexibility so that line was able to shoulder a pretty heavy workload.

Aube- Kubel doesn't have speed

 

[expatriatedtexan]

Well LOC came from the Eagles.

One guy that was signed as a UFA?

Not much to give one hope in the development staff. LOC like Makar was a product of someone other than the the Avs training them.

 

[Alienblood]

I just don't see it. I also do not see how the hell anyone would prefer Scheekloth and the Eagles to develop a prospect over Bednar and the Avs . I just simply don't think there is more than a third liner here and I think he'll generate chances regardless of time spent in the AHL. He's a bottom six forward, not a top six one.

The sooner we realize that, the sooner we start teaching him to lean into the qualities that make a good bottom six forward rather the selfish qualities that define a good top six forward the better off both the team and Nikita will be.

What have/are/will we pay to upgrade the bottom six? It's f***ing infuriating that we have one staring us in the face, but we are trying to make him into something else instead. If you want a top-six forward, draft one. If you want a bottom-six forward...f*** it ruin the one you have and spend assets on trading for older, slower versions your coach can actually remember playing against.

I personally know Reynolds who works on Prish's training. He's in great shape, let's hope he doesn't get lost in the shuflle. I think he should be with the Avs as well. Practicing with the big dogs instead of getting lost in the shuffle.

I guess I could've clarified, if Wood was less injured I'd really have no issues, it's that 2.5m.

We need some toughness and Wood provides it.

 

[RoyIsALegend]

@expatriatedtexan this is a super weird hill to die on.

Prishchepov was drafted in the 7th round just 6 months ago. This is his first professional season of hockey. He only got a cup of coffee in the NHL due to our massive amount of injuries.

The organization feels he will be a better hockey player long-term by getting 14-18 minutes of ice-time per night instead of 5-6 in the NHL. They want him to thrive instead of survive. They may see untapped offensive potential that he can develop with the Eagles instead of just trying to not make mistakes in a few shifts per game with the Avs.

He’s a rookie who isn’t close to a finished product.

That’s it.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

Take a look at other sports high school football to college and all the players that wash out … then college to pro. They’ll just never reach that peak. All teams and all leagues have JAGs. Some players just can’t elevate.

Which is exactly why I'm saying quite treating him like a top six forward. That shit isn't there. Treat him like a bottom six forward and he could be playing for us today.

The Avs are galaxy braining him, not me. I see a bottom six forward who could actually be good. The Avs apparently see a second line forward and are willing to sacrifice a couple of years to prove themselves wrong.

 

[Alienblood]

Next year we will have another vet bottom six that Bednar likes better than Nikita. The following year Nikita might be given a chance but he will also be fighting a new group of vets brought in to challenge him.

Bednar will always take the vet. So if we want the best from Nikita we should be trading him this season. This shit of stashing any possible bottom of the roster talent in the AHL until some undefined measurement stick is met seems like the wrong way to run a team to me.

Sorry. I think this is also part of the reason why I wouldn't mind Bednar be changed out. He's just been here too long without anyone challenging him or his instincts.

Totally agree, Bednar needs to go if we don't get past the 2nd round this year.

Team is loaded except for 2C

 

[expatriatedtexan]

@expatriatedtexan this is a super weird hill to die on.

Prishchepov was drafted in the 7th round just 6 months ago. This is his first professional season of hockey. He only got a cup of coffee in the NHL due to our massive amount of injuries.

The organization feels he will be a better hockey player long-term by getting 14-18 minutes of ice-time per night instead of 5-6 in the NHL. They want him to thrive instead of survive. They may see untapped offensive potential that he can develop with the Eagles instead of just trying to not make mistakes in a few shifts per game with the Avs.

He’s a rookie who isn’t close to a finished product.

That’s it.

Yeah it is. I agree. But this is also symptomatic of a larger problem. The Avs don't really recognize what they have and they often think the players they have are something other than what they are.

You say this is a stupid hill to die on, and I agree. But what is the problem with the Avs leaning in and grooming him to be the best bottom six forward in the NHL?

They're trying to force a home-run out of what is a perfectly acceptable double.

 

[Balthazar]

Would have to get another team to retain. Not sure who? Nucks won’t do that.

No team in the NHL will sacrifice a retaining slot and retain 2.5M for 5.5 years.

The Canucks won't do it either.

If Miller is available they'll find someone to take him at full cap hit.

 

[expatriatedtexan]

@expatriatedtexan this is a super weird hill to die on.

Prishchepov was drafted in the 7th round just 6 months ago. This is his first professional season of hockey. He only got a cup of coffee in the NHL due to our massive amount of injuries.

The organization feels he will be a better hockey player long-term by getting 14-18 minutes of ice-time per night instead of 5-6 in the NHL. They want him to thrive instead of survive. They may see untapped offensive potential that he can develop with the Eagles instead of just trying to not make mistakes in a few shifts per game with the Avs.

He’s a rookie who isn’t close to a finished product.

That’s it.

What in the world has led you to believe that our AHL system teaches a player a THRIVE at the NHL level?

He's a rookie capable of playing in the NHL. Our AHL affiliate is shit in terms of development. Why do this to a player you want to play on your NHL team?

Why is it that you are adamant he is a bottom sixer and only a bottom sixer? He's 20 years old. I'm not saying he WILL develop into a top six forward, but he's got 11 points in 18 games in his first pro season. That's a much better pace than a guy like Ivan Ivan last season, so at least early on it looks like there MIGHT be a bit more than 4th line NHLer potential. No point in having him play 5 minutes per night with the big club when he can play offensive roles in the AHL.

When was the last time you saw a guy jump from his position into a top-six position?

I'm not adamant he can't, I'm adamanet that if you keep hitting a square peg into a round hole with a big enough hammer and enough force you can in fact make it fit, but it's not going to be a good fit.

 

[lionsDen]

Which is exactly why I'm saying quite treating him like a top six forward. That shit isn't there. Treat him like a bottom six forward and he could be playing for us today.

The Avs are galaxy braining him, not me. I see a bottom six forward who could actually be good. The Avs apparently see a second line forward and are willing to sacrifice a couple of years to prove themselves wrong.

I’m not here to pick at you bro, I just read that if a player doesn’t make the nhl it’s because of the avs development model. That’s lazy, speaking of lazy I’m gonna go be lazy on the couch been working to much.

 

[dahrougem2]

What in the world has led you to believe that our AHL system teaches a player a THRIVE at the NHL level?

He's a rookie capable of playing in the NHL. Our AHL affiliate is shit in terms of development. Why do this to a player you want to play on your NHL team?


When was the last time you saw a guy jump from his position into a top-six position?

I'm not adamant he can't, I'm adamanet that if you keep hitting a square peg into a round hole with a big enough hammer and enough force you can in fact make it fit, but it's not going to be a good fit.

When is the last time a 7th round pick played NHL games the following season?

Prischepov is a rare case of exceptionally fast growth. From junior to the AHL to the NHL in a matter of 6 months.

However, he's still only 20 years old. He isn't going to develop into a bottom six forward on the Avalanche playing 5 minutes each night.

Again, Logan O'Connor needed multiple seasons of college hockey and multiple seasons in the AHL before he was able to earn Jared Bednar's trust to play consistent 4th line minutes.

Prischepov is nowhere near there, so why force it in the NHL? This isn't a development league.

 

[GoNordiquesGo]

Next year we will have another vet bottom six that Bednar likes better than Nikita. The following year Nikita might be given a chance but he will also be fighting a new group of vets brought in to challenge him.

Bednar will always take the vet. So if we want the best from Nikita we should be trading him this season. This shit of stashing any possible bottom of the roster talent in the AHL until some undefined measurement stick is met seems like the wrong way to run a team to me.

Sorry. I think this is also part of the reason why I wouldn't mind Bednar be changed out. He's just been here too long without anyone challenging him or his instincts.

Ivan disagrees

 

[Bender]

This is a bit of a weird argument...

Yeah Pricky has been pretty good at the NHL level and I really like him and absolutely he's been better than Chris Wagner when he's been in the Avs lineup.

At the same time, we're not winning games or losing games in the NHL because we have one or the other.

Not sure where the idea is coming from that Pricky is going to get all pissed at the organization for not staying up with the big club, in my view it's quite the opposite. They've given him a look and given him a chance to earn some big bucks relative to what he earns in the AHL and there aren't many 7th round picks who can say the same.

So you can look at it like the Avs aren't doing this kid right but the reality is that they are. They could easily be stubborn and call-up useless schmucks like olausson or foudy but these players have been given up on by the Avs - and rightfully so - because they gave a piss-poor effort in their 3rd/4th training camps - so f*** them and you call-up and reward players who give all they got like they did with Pricky and Innala and others.

As far as Wagner, Tynan and other vets like that - I understand what you mean but at the same time, there is something to be said for giving these players a chance at earning 'a portion' of an NHL salary as well especially when these guys have the right mindset and are there to help out the young guys in the AHL. That's something you can also reward - especially if the vets lead by example and aren't a bunch of pouting jerks if a rookie gets called-up instead of them.

It's probably not as cut and dry as just the on-ice performance, there's more to it than that and a solid vet with a great attitude that's been around the block that a youngster can lean on for has value as well.

Just my two cents.