Team: 2019-20 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 18, 2019

Published: Apr. 25, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

The Avs have shown that they are competitive the way they are. Why trade the farm and depth that Sakic built? This team is built to grow at this point, so I say let it.

Bringing in a top 6F through UFA might be ruff. Breadman won't come here and Duchess... He had his chance to be with this playoff team. The Islander boys, Pav, Joe, Williams and Dzingel will very likely re-up with their old teams (or some might hang em up). That really only leaves Nyquist and Skinner before the Avs have players that are comparable. They have 40 pt guys or kids that have the potential to be so without the big contracts or term that go with UFA. The Avs could use another shooter more than another passer, so I went with Skinner.

The Avs extend Barrie over the summer 6x7.5 The Avs D is set for most of the next decade. Although, they will have to buy off Seattle with a pick to keep it together. A solid mover and a big bodied stay-at-home on each pair... see it in action in the 2nd round?
Sammy/EJ
Big Z/Barrie
Cole/Makar
Even if the Avs don't extend Barrie, Keep him for the year as the rental that we don't have to give up a first for. Trading him would create a hole that isn't ready to be filled by Timmins.

I resigned Ghetto and Bourque because I know what I'm getting. Nothing flashy but responsible play at an NHL level. This gives the kids a year to grow in the A. Still bring them up for injuries when in Denver, but they don't have to drag em around on road trips to sit in the stands.

Whoever the Avs draft this year, Cozens or Byram, they will spend the year in Loveland so they can get more ice time. Or, I can see them drafting kids already committed to the NCAA, Turcotte, for a year or two of development/delayed entry to the NHL.