« They’ve failed to have an adequate 2C in essentially a decade ».
 
Not at all, the Avalanche could count on O’Reilly, Duchene and Mackinnon. Having too many centers has always been an advantage for any team. A center can easily be moved to the wing and play on the first 2 lines without affecting his playing time. Having too many top 4 defenders means that some defenders have to play on the 3rd pair. These defenders will likely see their playing time reduced, which does not allow them to fully exploit their skill.
 
O’Reilly wasn’t traded because of the money. He was traded because he had accepted a hostile offer. Virtually every player who went to arbitration or had contract disputes with the Avalanche, they were traded relatively quickly and that was the case with O’Reilly. I see you’re not really following the Avalanche for not knowing that. You are probably new to this platform. Anyway, to end the story, the centerpiece of Ryan O’Reilly’s trade was Zadorov. At least that was what was expected at the time of the trade. Similarly, the return was supposedly a defender who would be able to play a lot of minutes among the top 4 or even the first pair. Things didn’t happen as such but the arrival of Zadorov was to compensate for a significant lack in the team within the defense. I invite you to study all the moves of the Avalanche during the 2010s that were aimed at strengthening the defensive position. You will probably realize very quickly that it was not a success, far from it.
 
Don’t forget that Duchene was traded for Girard and a first-round pick where the Avalanche selected Byram. The Avalanche also drafted Cale Makar. Considering the many failures through transactions or free agent signings, we finally focused our efforts on the draft to compensate for the major weaknesses on defense.
 
By the time he signed his contract with the Avalanche, Manson was no longer a top-4 defenseman. In the last 3 seasons with the Ducks, Manson had never played more than 50 games. He had clearly demonstrated that he no longer had the necessary durability to play the minutes among the top 4. We offered a 4-man contract instead of signing Kadri. Then, before Duchene played for Dallas, he and O’Reilly were available but we opted for RJ. Continually making the wrong choices is what has essentially complicated MacFarland’s job in his search for a 2C.

My work here is done! You all have a great life and forever Go Avs!

I agree with you. For years he’s overplayed Mack, Mikko & Cale in the regular season. That takes a toll.

I’m not saying that’s why Cale didn’t play well. But the two previous years. He leaned way…way too much on Mack & Mikko. And in the series last year (in 24) against Dallas. They both were noticeably gassed.

To your point on them scapegoating Ray Bennett. Again can’t argue with you. Bednar is the head coach. You’re telling me if he felt the PP wasn’t making the proper adjustments & utilizing personnel correctly. He couldn’t step in & tell Bennett I got this?

My sediments exactly…..
I would add that having 1 line out of 4 play consistently well is a problem. Secondly, our defensive scheme seems to need a makeover
or player overhaul… just a observation…..

His skating – especially transitioning F/B on left leg – was very limited and unlike what he’s capable of when 100 %.

Yes to bulk up on D! Manson’s the bulk we have and he’s injured more than not. I love his snarl, but he also makes some head scratcher decisions w breakout and takes too many penalties. It would be great for SakFarland to make a trade or 2 for shut-down D – like Tanev, McDonagh, Slavin (local boy), Lindholm or Carlo (another CO kid)…one can dream…

So knowing that Makar was off, how do feel about playing him normally. Did Bednar sit there and think, “Cale is not playing his best, I suppose that just means that we lose . Hmmm, maybe we should use a different option on PP and cut back on his minutes. No, let’s go with the lose option, it’s not like I will ever get fired “.

Maybe I am way off here, but isn’t part of coaching realizing what is not working trying to fix it? I suppose this all falls on Ray Bennett.

I’m not really clear on the point you’re trying to make. O’Reilly wasn’t traded to acquire defensive depth. He was traded over dollars. And the Avs not wanting to meet his contract demands. And they also thought they were set up the middle with Mackinnon & Duchene.

The Avs have had plenty of players capable of playing 2nd pair defensive minutes to varying degrees of success over the last decade.

Meanwhile outside of Kadri. They’ve failed to have an adequate 2C in essentially a decade.

And yes part of that is they’ve made bad roster decisions & mis – calculations on certain players (Mitts, Ryjo). But I think the last few years have clearly demonstrated 2C is more important & difficult than finding 2nd pair D. I mean in the last few years alone. They’ve been able in season to acquire players like Manson & Lindgren. Who are most definitely 2nd pair caliber.