Season Preview: Colorado Avalanche
Major Additions: Ryan Smyth, Scott Hannan
Major Subtractions: Patrice Brisebois, Ken Klee, Pierre Turgeon
Analysis
Colorado made the kind of moves I respect the most. Faced with an immovable Jose Theodore, an aging but still dominant Joe Sakic, and an improving crop of youngsters, they made few changes - but big ones. Ryan Smyth - though arguably not worth the length nor cost of his big contract - was one of if not the best free agents on the market. Scott Hannan received less attention but could be even more important to a blueline still adjusting to the losses of Rob Blake and Adam Foote.
When teams make a large number of big moves - such as the Philadelphia Flyers this summer - there is typically a “letdown” season during which the new team molds itself into a unit. When you replace cogs like Turgeon and Brisebois a few at a time, there is less shock to the system and an easier transition for the new players. Expect big things from the Avalanche this year, IF…
… if Peter Budaj is the real deal. It seems pretty obvious at this point that Theodore is done, at least as a starter in the NHL. He is in the final year of his contract so a resurgence is not out of the question - it would be the only thing that would land him another decent contract - but the Avs cannot count on it. If Budaj falters and Theo fails to pick up the slack, expect to see Colorado seek some outside help - perhaps signing Curtis Joseph or attempting to lure Ed Belfour back from Europe. Note that either goalie would have to clear waivers if signed after the start of the season.
The Avalanche have at most a few seasons left with both their current and future face of the franchise on board. If Budaj does play like a genuine star, look for the Avalanche to begin picking up some veteran additions to make a serious run this summer. That being said, the goaltending situation remains too murky for me personally to count on anything but another fight for the playoffs.