Team: 2018-19 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 3, 2018

Published: Jul. 3, 2018

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Forwards:
The top line stays together and will carry the offense again. With a full year of experience for Jost and Kerfoot, I would expect more consistency out of the second line. Soderberg gets to play with a little more skill on his wings this year without Compher and Calvert, compared to Nieto and Comeau last season. Kamenev is a promising prospect on the fourth line, flanked by a couple known commodities in Nieto and Wilson. Toninato is a safety net for Kamenev as the 4C, and Bourque is a good plug-and-play 4th liner if there’s an injury.

Defense:
Johnson and Zadorov are back together as the top pair. Like many of the forwards, another year of experience for Zadorov should lead to improved results this year. Cole seems to be a natural fit next to Barrie, especially after the success he had played with Schultz in Pitt. Nemeth returns to play with Girard, giving the 3rd pair a similar composition to the 2nd. Barberio is a reliable D that can play anywhere on the 2nd or 3rd pairing when the inevitable injury occurs.

Goaltenders:
Varlamov is battling to keep his starting job, while Grubauer is pushing for his opportunity. With Varlamov’s injury history, Grubauer should get plenty of opportunities.