August is the slowest month in hockey. Desperate times means a desperate reach for hockey conversation 😂

Effective big defensemen aren’t any easier to draft. Bigger guys typically have a longer development ramp so it takes a lot of projection when you draft them at 18 yrs old unless you’re drafting in the top half of the 1st round and even then… If the Avs are drafting that high then something has gone wrong. Signing older college guys isn’t a bad strategy. You have better idea of what their ceiling will be but even if things go right you’re not getting a top 3 defenseman. You’re right though on acquiring skilled big guys who aren’t old via trade or free agency. The cost is high if teams are even willing to part with them

I know where you’re coming from and they just acquired some miniature forwards but they seem to have gotten the message on D and are drafting and bringing in a more diverse group of prospects. This year they drafted a Swedish kid who is 6’3 (and will be playing in the OHL). 2 years ago they drafted a 6’4″ Russian kid who hasn’t reached the KHL yet but may this year and the 2 NCAA UFAs they brought in end of last season are both over 6’2″. This said, the D they just drafted in the 3rd is the size of Toews and Gulyayev is the size of Girard. None of these players are close but again, at least on the defensive side, they now seem to be keeping size in mind on the development side (if only they could develop 🙄)

I mean, he’s not wrong. The Avs seemingly seek out not only small defenseman almost exclusively. But guys SO small that most grown women are bigger in stature. Hockey is a physical sport. Size matters. This isn’t soccer.

Lol. My sentiments exactly. I was expecting him to be no taller than 5 ‘ 10 & weigh a 165 – 170 soaking wet in his equipment. This is a nice change of pace though.

Dude. Stop it. You are not as clever as you think.

Thank you.

Big body. Hopefully he plays a physical game.

Looks like a nice pickup. At the worst, the Eagles get a promising starter on D and at best…Maybe a future third liner and the cost is insignificant. No risk here.