Deen’s Daily: What Are the Avs Doing at 3C?; Sharks Add 2 Veterans

The San Jose Sharks are filling their roster with veterans as they continue to rebuild. Also, the Avs still haven’t determined what they’re going to do at 3C. Is Jack Drury primed to take over that role?

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — July 11.

Colorado Hockey Now

There are several questions that still need to be answered, and one of them is the hole the Avs have at 3C.

Drury could very much be elevated to that spot, and either Parker Kelly or perhaps Zakhar Bardakov would then slot in at center on the fourth line. But it seems like a thin core.

What if Brock Nelson struggles? Or better yet, what if Nelson misses 2-3 weeks or more with an injury? You’re basically riding Nathan MacKinnon at that point — something the team has done way too often over the past three years and can’t afford to let happen again. Especially in a year when MacKinnon is going to play a big role for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics.

Having a strong 3C is crucial, at least to add to that depth that’s lacking after the Charlie Coyle trade.

I scoured other rosters to find seven names that could help the Avs solve their 3C issue. Read below for more.

This one is behind the CHN+ paywall, but promo code Deen10 gets you 25% off an annual subscription to CHN+ content.

Read More: 7 Trade Targets That Could Solve the Avalanche’s 3C Hole (+)

Also, if you missed it yesterday, the Avs re-signed Josh Manson to an extension a year away from the end of his current contract. What does this mean for the D core moving forward?

Read More: Avalanche Sign Josh Manson to Two-Year Extension

Around The NHL

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks added veteran Jeff Skinner on a one-year deal on Friday. But the previous day, they also traded for another veteran from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: This is an exercise I’ll probably try soon with the Avs. But, Dan Kingerski took a stab at predicting the Penguins starting lineup for the upcoming season. I’m sure more trades are coming, but this is where they currently stand.

Philly Hockey Now: Same exercise, different team. Projecting the depth chart for the Flyers.

Detroit Hockey Now: You don’t want to ask too much from your young players, but the Red Wings got a glimpse of Marco Kasper under Todd McLellan last year and the early returns were great. They need him to take that next step.