It’s not that I hate Malinski, it’s just that if we’re serious about Cup contending (and this new goaltending tandem got me feeling some type a way), then almost none of the present company qualify as third pair quality. Malinski. Middleton. De Haan. Kylington. I mean. They’ve all had pleasant stretches of good play, and most would be good #7’s to have. But I think the third pair and 3C are now what else we need.
When you consider the strides that Malinski has made to become an NHL regular this season compared to last, I think the Avs will want to hang on to him.
Besides, after they get the upgrade they need, he's likely going to be their #6D and it's much easier to limit his minutes in the playoffs anyways.
I think the Avs will want to target a D-Man that can fill-in should a Top-4 d-man go down to injury. I think that's the key. There are a lot of bottom pairing guys that they can acquire but if these guys can't play higher in the lineup and we have a hole to fill, that could end up costing us.
Either way, just get a D who can handle some of the PK load that Makar is taking.
Agree with you 100%.
I still think the guy they'd want to acquire is M. Pettersson from Pittsburgh. For me, he's the ideal guy.