That blueline is going to get just violated on a nightly basis. I don't understand why Sakic didn't try to sign a couple half-decent vets for at least a little depth there.

Think you're right alwaysnextyear. Get some NHLers. Good luck to Cowan but I think he's done.

I don't think this team can really be compared to the team that won the division. You're missing 2 high end forwards who are pretty significant 2 way players. Your D actually looks better now with Zadorov IMO but Varly hasn't been able to replicate his Play from that year. It was also pretty widely believed that that particular Avs teams wouldn't be able to replicate that success and they really haven't. If I was Sakic I wouldn't be hoping or expecting that kind of performance again. Especially when all media coverage is pointing to one of your star players wanting out. Look at Drouin, supposedly he and Tampa worked things out and in the end he was still traded. Sakic is going to run the risk of Luongo'ing this deal. It is crappy for all parties but its better to make the trade and move on. Focus on the future because Duchene doesn't have one in Colorado. That is my 2 cents.

Duchene isn't coming back. He's already skipping practice.

Thats not entirety true. Optional Captains skates arent skipping practices. Hes not technically suppose to be in Denver until the 14th. He hasnt skipped an Avs practice yet