It's crazy to think that even with adding another potentially generational player like Hughes and having him on an ELC there are still so many holes with this roster.

That would be good, if that would happen. ?

Such as? I see some weak areas but no glaring holes.

This is a transition year, the goal isn't to compete for the Cup. There are some excellent prospects bubbling under who will be NHL ready by 2020-21.

Well to start, you have two backup goalies on this team...

I've said this before and I'll say it again, as long as that's the goalie situation it really doesn't matter who you have at forward or d you won't be getting a save anyways.

Colorado gives a pick to take Russell?
What?

Both goalies have winning records on below average teams this year. I'm hoping that they can split the games and give Starrett* more development time. As I said, it will be a transition year - we'll know more about the goaltenders by next summer and will have more money available then too.

*Starrett is a rookie in the AHL this year, has a 25-5-5 record, 2.28 GAA (2nd in the league) and .920 SV% (3rd in the league). He'll be ready to step in when an injury occurs next year.

Both goalies have winning records on below average teams this year.

I'm not sure what's worse Mikko Koskinen's goaltending skills or his hairline

Russell is very much an NHL defender, he's a heart-and-soul player type that coaches love. He blocks shots with the best of them (averages more than 2 per game), can play either side and all game situations. His 14 5v5 points puts him in a tie for 98th in the league with guys like Hamonic, Manson, Brodin and Parayko, He is +6 in a season when the team as a whole is -39. But for his contract he's worth more than a 4th round pick. I chose COL because I know Russell loves ranching and rodeo and wants to stay in the mid-west as a result, leaving relatively few trade destinations. And COL could use a reliable veteran defenseman.

I like the amount of thought that went into this. So why would Colorado trade a 4th to get Russell when they have a better chance of signing Stralman at 3.5 mil than the Oilers? It's the same length, cheaper contract, saves them a 4th and they get a more accomplished vet who often has played top line minutes. If Russell is this great, why trade him? Seems like Edmonton could afford to keep a Dman like this. I don't see him waiving his NTC, he loves 'Berta.

There are plenty of Defensemen that will become available this year in UFA that will likely be cheaper then Russell and not cost a draft pick. Also, blocking shots is bad. It means the other team has the puck. People seem to celebrate a guy that blocks shots but all I see is a guy that always allows the other team to have the puck more and doesn't have the skills to go get the puck back.

I dont have time to argue whether or not Russell is a good or bad defencemen. I will agree with other on this thread that the Avs have better options in the UFA market (without losing a pick)

Great question. I'm looking for a defenseman who compliments Nurse's skill-set. Nurse is a big guy who defends well but tends to skate the puck out, Russell isn't big but also uses his mobility to get the puck out of the zone. I'm looking for a veteran guy who can pass the puck out of danger - eventually Bouchard will be that guy here but I'd like a stop-gap veteran so Bouchard doesn't get rushed to the NHL too soon.

I think Colorado could use a guy with Russell's skillset (although the trade doesn't have to be with Colorado), he is better than 3 of COL's top-4 at suppressing goals, and that's not corrected for team or competition.

Johnson 2.65 GA/60, 55.39 OZS%
Girard 2.09 GA/60, 57.41 OZS%
Barrie 2.38 GA/60, 62.74 OZS%
Cole 2.80 GA/60, 47.50 OZS%

Russell 2.24 GA/60, 45.58 OZS%

Um, yes, the other team is always going to have the puck sometimes. Among the shot-blocking leaders are such un-skilled guys as Trouba, Parayko, Hamonic, Sanheim, Provorov and Ryan Ellis.

Guys like Russell take on the defensive assignments a D-zone faceoffs so guys like Barrie can get all the offensive opportunities.

Also, love your handle! Peter was a fav growing up.

Paint the picture however you want. I'd rather my defensemen gain control over the puck and break it out in the defensive zone, rather then blocking shots.

There's no player in the world with enough skill to maintain a CF% of 100.

uhhhh ya think?

In your fantasy on Jack Hughes.

Hopefully you guys are watching Russell stymie McKinnon on this PK.