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Avalanche Mailbag 1.0: Stanley Cup Window, Offseason vs Mid-Season Trades, and the Landeskog Effect

Aarif Deen — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:07:54 +0000

This one was a whopper of a mailbag that I’ve decided to split it into two parts. The second half will be released Wednesday morning.

Thanks to all who asked questions! Enjoy.

Question from Sasha Landprecht

From 2020-2025, the Avs could’ve had 3 Cups. But after their Cup win, It seems like it went downhill with Gabe Landeskog’s injury and Valeri Nichuhskin’s issues. Do you think their cup window has shut?

Aarif’s Response

This upcoming season is going to tell us a lot about where this team currently stands.

They played a great series against Dallas but fell short on the PP and couldn’t hold third period leads. It was a frustrating loss that’ll sit with them for a while. But with No. 92 and No. 13 seemingly figured out now, we’re going to see what they’re made of.

In short, no, I don’t believe their Cup window has shut. They have more in them with this group. And then they can extend it if the pieces around Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and Landeskog, etc. are refreshed in the next few years.

This is going to be their roster to open a season since 2021.

Question from Stephen Moss

I do not expect the Avs to make any significant trades until after the season starts. None of the teams in the NHL are prepared to let go of any quality centers before the season starts. Once players start under-performing or out play their current contacts and appear to be unable to be extended (contracts) with their current teams, the trades will begin. Then the available cap space will be used on incoming quality players. What do you think?

Aarif’s Response

As much as I’m trying to bring a center trade to life, your scenario is probably more likely. It’s not any harder to add a middle six center mid season, and there’s nothing wrong with fixing that part of your lineup later on.

Right now, the Avalanche have a solid top six. Like, a really good one. One of the best in the NHL. They also have a great top pair on the blueline, a bunch of really good middle pair defensemen (albeit the puzzle pieces are still being figured out), and their goaltending tandem is top notch. Those are all things that are going to lead this team right out of the gate.

The third line looks shoddy right now, and Logan O’Connor’s injury adds more holes in the bottom six in general. But these are easier spots to fill mid-season than what they had to deal with this past year. Or even in 2023-24.

When they won the Stanley Cup, they added a top four defenseman in Josh Manson, they added a top-six forward in Artturi Lehkonen, who ended up bumping Andre Burakovsky down, and they added two pieces to their bottom six in Andrew Cogliano and Nico Sturm. Don’t forget, when they first got Sturm, he was expected to be the full-time 4C in the postseason. Darren Helm doing what he did sort of came out of nowhere.

It’s not abnormal to add that many guys around the core. But they’ve been so stuck for years now with Landeskog’s uncertainty, no 2C, goaltending issues, etc. Those all seem to be fixed now. Hopefully.

So yes, I agree. Pieces will become more available, and the Avs can scour the market after seeing what they have in house first.

Question from Jared Williss

Who is the most realistic trade target to address the open slot on the third line?

Aarif’s Response

I keep going back to J.T. Compher as the most likely option because the Red Wings would like to get out from under that contract. They’d have to retain to do it, though. There are plenty of wingers around the NHL that can also fit. Even free agents.

One guy I’d like to see Avs keep an eye on is Lawson Crouse. He’s got two years remaining on his deal at $4.3 million, but he could be someone worth taking a chance on to bounce back from a bad year.

Question from Donald Cooley

Will there be a “Landeskog effect” this year? Will having the captain back help get this team back to the mindset required to win the cup?

Aarif’s Response

I don’t want to over or undervalue how big a deal this is. I’m trying not to. But there was a calm in Chris MacFarland’s demeanor after the draft because he knows he can plan for Landeskog being back in the lineup. That in itself is huge.

Then when you add in having him for an entire season in the dressing room? You can’t put a price on that. It’s going to be massive for this team. If you followed along all year, you probably saw me write quite a bit about the sometimes missing leadership in the room after a tough loss.

Question from PhatMatt

With all the hype talk around Joel Kiviranta and now Nikolai Kovalenko back in Russia, why haven’t they signed Kiviranta? Are they not happy with his play? Are they playing hardball?

Aarif’s Response

I actually do think they’re playing a little bit of hardball. MacFarland mentioned two weeks ago that he was still in touch with his pending UFA’s but wanted to let the market breathe a little bit. That says to me that they want Kiviranta back and he probably wants to stay, but they want to make sure they aren’t overpaying him.

This allows him to see what other teams feel his value is before circling back with the Avs. I still think he returns, I’m just curious if the Avs can keep him on a one-year deal, which I suspect is their preference.

Question from Ty Hall

I like the RFA options for replacing the 3C, but realistically they probably won’t be available. When I think of a Cup contender I think of a shutdown veteran third line especially at center for D zone draws. What are the best options to fit that build?

Aarif’s Response

Thanks for reading my trade targets piece! Those RFA options were somewhat a pipe dream.

I already answered a previous question similar to this and mentioned Compher. But, I think names we aren’t thinking of will become available as the season goes on. I tried my best at identifying someone like Jean-Gabriel Pageau in a previous article. So that’s someone to keep an eye on, if the Islanders don’t bounce back the way they’re hoping to. Players of that ilk will probably be who they’d want if not Compher.

I really thought Nic Roy would be a great fit but understood why Vegas was never going to trade him to Colorado.

Question from Kathrynn Bartlett

Do you think Jack Drury will start the season as the Avs 3C or their 4C?

Aarif’s Response

As things currently stand, he’ll start as the third-line center. This would allow Jared Bednar an opportunity to try guys like Zakhar Bardakov to see what he has in the early months of the season. Mid-season trades are easy for this team to make — they proved that last year. If you’re using the middle of the season to fill out complementary roles, rather than a starting goalie or a 2C like last season, then it should be easier than what this front office is used to.

Question from Reece

Do you think dumping Charlie Coyle just to get rid of wood was worth it? I know the idea was to get more cap space but having Coyle as 3C just made the Avs feel more dangerous than they have since the cup run.

Aarif’s Response

Charlie Coyle as a 3C looked insanely strong on this team. Unfortunately, the $5.25 million was tough to make work. Avs have cap flexibility right now and it’s a great thing to have, especially going towards the trade deadline.

I think they just felt that clearing Coyle’s large salary in addition to Wood’s $2.5 million was worthwhile for that flexibility and ability to do things later. I agree with it because I think they’re also taking into account how Coyle will be used, and perhaps they just didn’t think he was going to be used enough to justify his cap hit and keeping Wood.

Question from Caleb

Do the Avs really not have a contingency plan for Landeskog? There are multiple holes to fill, and the chances of him being healthy for an entire 82 game season are slim to none. Having no depth seems extremely risky?

Aarif’s Response

The short answer is, no, there is no contingency plan. They waited three years to see if he can get healthy, and having that four-game playoff stint went a long way in feeling a lot better about him moving forward. He looked great and entered right in the middle of a heated series against another strong team. And played a ton of minutes.

Are his chances of playing 82 games, or close to it, slim to none? I wouldn’t say that. But I think the contingency plan for him is the same as if they were planning for a Lehkonen, Nichushkin, or Necas injury.

Someone like Colton. Or other middle six forwards.

Colton is on the third line, and he’s a viable option to play in the top six when someone else is absent. And I’m sure they’ll have another addition to replace one of Wood or Coyle too, who could be a viable option to step in as needed.

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

Aarif Deen — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:50:59 +0000

After trading Charlie Coyle to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Avalanche’s deep center core is now seemingly anything but that. Colorado has Nathan MacKinnon at the top of the lineup, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. But after that, it gets a little grim. The Coyle trade ultimately removed a lot of the […]

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Deen’s Daily: Manson Re-Signs; Dallas Dumps Dumba — RHD Always Have Value

Aarif Deen — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:00:05 +0000

The Stars signed a right-shot defenseman last year that didn’t work for them. And now he’s on his way out of town. Also, the Avalanche locked up one of their four RHD to an extension.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — July 10.

Colorado Hockey Now

I didn’t expect the Avalanche to re-sign Josh Manson, especially a year out from the end of his current contract. And it’s not for anything that has to do with his play. It’s his injury struggles that made me think they might move on from the almost 34-year-old.

But here we are. The front office likely saw value in extending him, even if it means taking a chance on a player that has missed 95 regular-season games in his three full seasons with the Avs. In the end, right-shot defensemen are a rarity and very valuable in the NHL. With the rising cap, the Avalanche felt letting Manson go might be a mistake.

I’ll have more thoughts about the Manson deal tomorrow, but you can read the details of his extension below for now.

I’ve also got more coming later today on some trade targets the Avs could look at to solve their 3C problem. I gave out a spoiler yesterday on one of those names.

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens are the one team in the league to openly admit they’re rebuilding this offseason. One of the perks of that is using your cap space to acquire assets. Pittsburgh took on Dumba from the Dallas Stars, and got a free 2028 second-round draft pick in the process.

The Stars obviously need the cap space now.

I don’t think Dumba is going to be much of a player, but he’s also a RHD. If (big if) he has a solid three or four months, he’ll be highly sought after at the trade deadline, when teams are desperately scouring the market for righty’s on the blueline. This gives Pittsburgh an opportunity to gain more assets than the draft pick they already got.

Like I said, finding an NHL caliber RHD is hard. We’ll see how this plays out.

Montreal Hockey Now: Zach Bolduc is ready for any role the Habs have for him. I still love this trade for them, and have no idea why the Blues felt the need to give him up for Logan Mailloux. It’s that damned RHD they wanted. They likely overpaid for it.

NYI Hockey Now: The Isles aren’t trading their starting goalie, Oilers fans.

Chicago Hockey Now: What should the Blackhawks do with Anton Frondell?

The post Deen’s Daily: Manson Re-Signs; Dallas Dumps Dumba — RHD Always Have Value appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

Deen’s Daily: Oilers Land Howard; Avs 3C Hole; Florida’s Stellar Offseason

Aarif Deen — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:02:12 +0000

The Lightning and Oilers pulled off a low-key trade. Things are quiet on the Avalanche front right now, but perhaps a reunion could be had with a former center? Also, a quick look around other team’s depth charts.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — July 9.

Colorado Hockey Now

Things are pretty quiet right now on the Avs front. It’s been a week since Brent Burns signed a one-year deal, with only a new assistant coach hired by the organization since then.

Does that mean the Avs are done for the summer? Unlikely. Chris MacFarland has more work to do and admitted as much six days ago when he chatted with media. This summer’s free agency market wasn’t up to par with past years, which means a lot of teams that haven’t yet finished building their teams will need to make trades instead.

Here’s one target I’ve got my eye on. He’s familiar around here and still at an age where bringing him back would make sense if the salary retention is right. Click below. Share your thoughts.

Around The NHL

Oilers Land Howard: The Tampa Bay Lightning have been shopping their 2022 first-round draft pick Isaac Howard for weeks. Howard is NHL ready and alerted the Lightning that he didn’t want to sign there. Now, he’s on his way to Edmonton in a one-for-one deal for prospect Sam O’Reilly. The Oilers instantly signed Howard to a three-year entry level contract as the young forward eyes a spot on the two-time defending Western Conference champions roster.

Philly Hockey Now: What should the Flyers do with Porter Martone? Is he ready for NHL action?

New Jersey Hockey Now: What the Devils current depth chart looks like.

Detroit Hockey Now: The top two picks from the 2007 NHL Entry Draft are teaming up in Detroit this season.

Florida Hockey Now: Five thoughts on the Panthers’ offseason so far. (I’ll give you a hint. It’s gone really, really well).

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Should the Avalanche Consider Bringing Back J.T. Compher?

Aarif Deen — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:41:22 +0000

We still aren’t sure what the Avalanche are planning to do with their remaining $6.55 million salary cap. They also have pieces that could be moved out for added space. Is Josh Manson expandable after the Brent Burns signing? Is Sam Malinski the seventh defenseman on this team? What about the left side? Is Samuel Girard an automatic in one of the two spots being Devon Toews or is he also being shopped?

Those are four pretty reasonable questions, and they only address the blueline. In the bottom six, Colorado has a healthy Jack Drury, Parker Kelly, and Ross Colton. They also have Logan O’Connor, who is going to start the season injured. After that? It’s anybody’s guess. It sounds like Zakhar Bardakov is going to get a long look. And I’m sure the Avs have their eyes on some of the remaining unrestricted free agents. I wrote about five of them last week.

But what about a trade candidate? Specifically, would a reunion with their 2022 Stanley Cup championship’s third-line center make sense?

J.T. Compher left the Avs in 2023 as an unrestricted free agent. Colorado, which made an overhaul of changes up front that summer, tried to negotiate with Compher until the final moments before realizing a deal couldn’t be had. Instead, general manager Chris MacFarland shifted, and traded for Ross Colton, before signing him to a four year, $16 million deal.

Colton played center for a season but has since shown he’s better in his natural winger position. He might be someone the team eventually trades, but after unloading Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood, keeping Colton makes more sense. At least for now. The salary isn’t needed yet, and might not be if the Avs don’t find what they want on the trade market. Colton and Compher on the third line together could also work really well.

Anyway, back to Compher.

The now 30-year-old has three years remaining on his contract at $5.1 million. He took a major step back this past season after a strong 2023-24 in Detroit. Compher’s best season was in 2022-23 with the Avs. He had 17 goals and 52 points while playing a career-high 20:32 per game.

The following year in Detroit saw him pass his personal best in goals (19), but his points slightly dropped to 48. Still, he was playing 19:48 per game and was a large part of Detroit’s penalty kill.

Last season, Compher’s numbers dropped to 11 goals, 32 points, and he played just 16:41 per game — the lowest he’s had since 2022. Those numbers are more suitable of a third-line center. The Wings initially added him to play in the top six, which was a clear miscast for a player that was best utilized playing behind Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri for three years.

At this rate, the Wings would be happy to give him away for free, or for minimal assets. They don’t need the cap space as much as the roster spot for one of their young prospects to get a better look at NHL minutes.

The Avalanche won’t and shouldn’t acquire Compher at his full cap hit. They just traded Coyle’s $5.125 million to clear space — not to replace him with someone at the same number with longer term.

But what if the Red Wings retain? Does Compher make sense at $4 million? That might still be a little too high. How about $3-$3.5 million? Or, if the Wings really want to get away from this player, could the Avs convince their management to retain the maximum 50% of his salary? If so, that means Compher would be back for three years at $2.55 million per season.

There might be other options on the market that are a better fit at this point in their careers. But not many could be had for next to nothing. If the Red Wings retain enough of Compher’s salary, he could even eventually slot in as the 4C behind Drury over the next handful of years, and it still wouldn’t be an overpayment.

Either way, Compher still has a lot of hockey left in him and might be one of the better buy-low candidates on the market.

What say you? Should the Avs try to reacquire the same third-line center that helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2022?

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Deen’s Daily: The Importance of Having Center Depth; Rumored Offer For Noah Dobson

Aarif Deen — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 22:07:50 +0000

Could the Avalanche be seeking more center depth just in case? Also, Noah Dobson is garnering a lot of interest and one Eastern Conference team is rumored to be making a big offer.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — June 22.

Colorado Hockey Now

What if, rather than trading Charlie Coyle, the Avs double down on center depth and have several natural centermen shift to the wing? It appears they had that thought process when they heavily targeted Jonathan Toews earlier in the week.

You can never have too many centers. Colorado tried to shift natural wingers like Ross Colton to center, but the transition is usually much easier the other way. They didn’t get Toews — he’s off to Winnipeg. But maybe another bottom six depth center makes more sense? I guess we’ll find out by July 1.

Around The NHL

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are rumored to be making a big offer for Noah Dobson. Could a former Avs centerman be part of the package?

NYI Hockey Now: We’re five days away from the draft, and the Islanders selecting No. 1 overall for the first time in 25 years. This, and the Dobson rumors, are both huge steps in their build back to relevancy.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It’s going to be a big week ahead for the Pens. Should they trade up in the draft?

Ottawa Hockey Now: The Sens are betting on talent with the extension they gave Fabian Zetterlund.

Chicago Hockey Now: T.J. Brodie cleared waivers. Next up: buyout.

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Rantanen Deal Signals Change: Why MacFarland Should Be Rewarded With Patience (+)

Aarif Deen — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 02:46:38 +0000

It felt for years like the Valeri Nichushkin saga would define Chris MacFarland’s era as Avalanche general manager. But last Friday’s blockbuster trade changed everything. It’s been more than 30 years since a deal of this magnitude was made this late into an NHL season. And now the Mikko Rantanen trade will forever be linked […]

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Evan’s NHL Daily: MacKinnon, Avs Updates; MacDermid/Rempe

Evan Rawal — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:00:21 +0000

I’m sure the NHL would love to hand out their star of the week choices to other players, but Nathan MacKinnon has been so dominant this year that he just keeps racking them up. On Monday, he added another one to his name this season.

It was a light practice for the Avalanche, and they didn’t even have enough bodies to fill out four lines, but we did get our first peek at Zach Parise since getting hurt on Monday.

Over in the Eastern Conference, Kurtis MacDermid was brought in to fight again Matt Rempe, but when the guy won’t drop the gloves, there’s not much he can do. Rempe only made matters worse later in the game.

All that and more in this Tuesday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Taking a look at the deadline moves made by Chris MacFarland and grading them.

Practice Updates

Jared Bednar didn’t speak to the media on Monday, but the team did still hold a light practice. They didn’t have enough bodies to fill out a full lineup, as both Artturi Lehkonen and Chris Wagner were missing. Lehkonen was listed as sick on Sunday, but still wasn’t ready to practice, and was replaced on the top line by Valeri Nichushkin.

Zach Parise skated on his own in a non-contact jersey prior to practice, and did travel with the team. He didn’t look like a guy ready to play tomorrow, but we’ll see. Chris Wagner was sent down to the Eagles, with the Avalanche brining Fredrik Olofsson back up to the NHL. I did ask PR if there was an update on Nikolai Kovalenko’s arrival, and was told there wasn’t one yet. On Sunday, I was told they’ve had an update on his injury status either Monday or Tuesday.

Also, Yakov Trenin has changed his number to 73, for those that care.

Star MacKinnon

Another ridiculous week for Nathan MacKinnon means the NHL had to award him with another first star award. You can’t ignore 10 points in three games. It should be noted that the Avalanche should have faced Thatcher Demko this week, but he hurt his knee and will miss a few weeks.

MacKinnon led the NHL in assists and points while extending his home point streak to 32 games and taking the lead in the Art Ross Trophy scoring race, helping the @Avalanche post a 3-0-0 homestand. #NHLStats: https://t.co/Rai4AVi1HQ pic.twitter.com/IuYPTObOdU

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 11, 2024

Rempe/MacDermid

The heavyweight’s are a dying breed in the NHL, but everyone expected to see a Matt Rempe/Kurtis MacDermid bought on Monday night. I guess Rempe had no intention of making that happen, as he wouldn’t drop his gloves with the former Avalanche fighter.

We’ve entered Rempe vs MacDermid watch pic.twitter.com/kQt5VOFgqf

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 11, 2024

Of course, Rempe might be sitting out for a while after this game, as he threw a chicken-wing elbow to the head of the Devils Siegenthaler. Brandon Gallagher got five games for a similar hit earlier this year. Will the NHL and player safety just copy and paste their work again?

#NYR’s Matt Rempe assessed 5 minute major and game misconduct for elbowing #NJDevils’ Siegenthaler pic.twitter.com/ySphW2Clqr

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) March 12, 2024

After the game, MacDermid was not impressed, as you’d expect.

Kurtis MacDermid wasn’t too pleased with Matt Rempe after the Devils-Rangers game.
•••
(: @SNYtv, @NJDevils) pic.twitter.com/S32U1uCPs1

— JayOnSC (@JayOnSC) March 12, 2024

These two teams play one more time before the end of the year on April 3. I’m sure the NHL will be watching closely.

National Hockey Now

Erik Karlsson back to Ottawa? That seems a bit far fetched to me.

Tomas Hertl explains why he chose to leave and go to Vegas.

The Panthers will have to play without Aaron Ekblad for a while.

What the heck is going on in Philadelphia with Ryan Johansen?

The Red Wings are finding it out for themselves – J.T. Compher isn’t really a 2C.

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Avalanche vs. Red Wings, Game 58: Lines, Starting Goalies & How To Watch

Evan Rawal — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:38:44 +0000

No, a matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings isn’t quite what it used to be, but with Detroit actually looking like a potential playoff team this year, it should at least be an entertaining matchup. And on Thursday night, it’ll be a reunion of sorts.

J.T. Compher, who signed a big contract with the Red Wings over the summer, will play against the Avalanche for the first time in his career. The 28 year old center has picked up 33 points in 50 games with the Red Wings, and has points in four straight games, so the Avalanche will have to keep an eye on him. He’s currently centering Alex Debrincat and Lucas Raymond, so not a bad gig for him.

Compher played seven seasons for the Avalanche from 2016 to 2023.

On Colorado’s side, the Avalanche will get Logan O’Connor back against the Red Wings. The winger has missed the last four games due to a lower-body injury, but will get back in on Thursday night. It’s unsure who exactly he’ll play with, but my initial guess would be that Bednar reunites the “Roaring 20’s” line. Andrew Cogliano may be the one coming out of the lineup, as he’s feeling under the weather and is a game-time decision.

It will not be Alexandar Georgiev in net for Colorado, as Bednar is turning to Justus Annunen. The young Finnish goaltender hasn’t played poorly for the Avalanche when given a chance, but has given up four goals in each of his three starts this season. Alex Lyon will be in net at the other end.

Expected Colorado Avalanche Lines

Jonathan Drouin – Nathan MacKinnon – Mikko Rantanen

Miles Wood – Ross Colton – Logan O’Connor

Artturi Lehkonen – Ryan Johansen – Zach Parise

Fredrik Olofsson – Chris Wagner – Joel Kiviranta

Defense

Devon Toews – Cale Makar

Sam Girard – Josh Manson

Jack Johnson – Bowen Byram

Goalies

Justus Annunen

Expected Detroit Red Wings Lineup

Rasmussen – Larkin – Kane

Debrincat – Compher – Raymond

Perron – Copp – Veleno

Fabbri – Fischer – Sprong

Defense:

Walman – Seider

Chiarot – Petry

Maatta – Gostisbehere

Goalies:

Alex Lyon

Special Teams

Colorado Avalanche Power Play: 23.4%, 9th in NHL

Colorado Avalanche Penalty Kill: 81.8%, 10th in NHL

Detroit Red Wings Power Play: 23.2%, 10th in NHL

Detroit Red Wings Penalty Kill: 82%, 9th in NHL

How to Watch

TV: ESPN+, Altitude 2

Radio: 950 AM

Game Time: 5:00 PM MST

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How Are Former Avalanche Players Fitting In On Their New Teams?

Evan Rawal — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:43 +0000

Over the summer, the Colorado Avalanche moved on from a few forwards. Whether it was letting them leave via free agency, or moving on in the form of a trade, the team lost three of their top nine forwards and had to replace them.

They did replace all of them, and it’s up for debate whether or not they improved, but we’ve had those discussions plenty to date.

I wanted to take a moment and check in on how Evan Rodrigues, J.T. Compher, and Alex Newhook have been performing with their new clubs. Rodrigues signed with the Florida Panthers over the summer, while Compher got a nice contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Newhook, on the other hand, was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, and the Avalanche used some of those assets to get Ross Colton.

How have they performed with their new clubs? Let’s check in with the beat writers from those cities for an update.

Evan Rodrigues

Rodrigues, to me, is “the one that got away” for the Avalanche. Not because he’s a world beater or anything like that, but I felt like he fit in immediately, played well, and the contract he signed in Florida was pretty reasonable. While I wouldn’t have loved four years, getting a versatile forward like Rodrigues for just $3 million is good value.

And so far, it’s worked out in Florida really well. Here’s what Colby Guy from Florida Hockey Now had to say about Rodrigues.

Evan Rodrigues has been a seamless fit on what has been one of the best lines in the NHL this season.

While his scoring numbers have taken a clear backseat to Sasha Barkov and Sam Reinhart’s, scoring seven goals and 26 points in 39 games so far, Rodrigues provides that line with the off-the-puck details it needs to be so successful.

He has played a strong defensive game, and coupled with Barkov and Reinhart’s world-class defensive zone games, has been a part of one of the league’s best possession lines.

Rodrigues’ chippy play along the boards and tenacity on the puck opens up a lot of space for Barkov and Reinhart, and it has shown in both of their games.

Reinhart is on pace to have a career year, scoring 28 goals and 50 points so far.

“I’m very impressed [with Rodrigues]. He’s all around a really good player,” Barkov said. “He can do everything on the ice. He can play defense. He can play offense. He can take faceoffs, even.”

J.T. Compher

Compher was an important piece of the 2022 Stanley Cup Avalanche squad. When Nazem Kadri went out due to injury, he stepped up and filled in admirably as the second line center for a lot of the Conference Finals and Finals.

The next year, he was relied on a little too much, but put up career high numbers. That meant an extension with the Avalanche was nearly impossible, as they didn’t have the cap space to retain him. Compher has gone to Detroit and performed well.

Here’s Robert Duff from Detroit Hockey Now on what Compher has brought to the Red Wings.

This quote from Derek Lalonde pretty much sums up how Compher has fit in:

“I’m a huge fan. I remember him back from his NDP days, his college days, playing him in the Stanley Cup Final. People probably didn’t realize he didn’t have the second center minutes but he was playing as a No. 2 center in that Stanley Cup Final. I’m a big fan. I know when we were talking about him as a free agent, I was very excited. He’s come as advertised. Probably a little more competitive, better leadership, those things you don’t see without being in the locker room. He’s been very good for us.”

Compher is on pace to deliver similar offensive numbers to what he did last season in Colorado. He’s currently playing between Kane and DeBrincat. He’s the net front guy on the first power-play unit and usually one of the first over the boards on the PK.

Alex Newhook

The Avalanche trading Newhook was a little controversial over the summer. Some felt Colorado gave up too soon on the young forward, and that he didn’t get enough of an opportunity with the Avalanche. Others felt it was best to move on while he still had value.

Either way, Newhook is a great guy and I always enjoyed talking to him. He got off to a strong start in Montreal, but unfortunately, an injury has kept him out for a while. He should return before the end of the season.

Here’s Marc Dumont from Montreal Hockey Now on Newhook’s performance so far…

At times, Newhook seems like the best player on the ice. He’s one of the fastest players in the lineup, and his affinity for taking great shots has led to a decent number of goals.

Unfortunately, the great games are usually followed by three or four games in which he’s invisible. It’s hard to judge him given that he was injured just 23 games into the season, but his underlying numbers leave a lot to be desired.

It’s also hard to project where Newhook will end up in the long-term rebuild plans. He doesn’t stand out as a player you can necessarily build around. He can’t handle playing down the middle, and his impact on the wing, for the time being, is negative.

If he’s to become an important member of the team he’ll have to improve his defensive game while scoring with more consistency.

He’ll also have to learn to generate offence with linemates who don’t necessarily love scoring off the rush.

To his credit, he was starting to play solid hockey prior to his injury. He was on pace for 20+ goals and the Habs are a goal-starved team. So there’s definitely value there.

Great work by Jake Evans to win the puck battle and set up Alex Newhook for his second goal.

Habs lead 4-3.
#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/n3g09Sje7t

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 23, 2023

Justin Barron

BONUS ROUND

While checking in on Newhook, I figured I’d see how former first round pick Justin Barron is doing. The Avalanche dealt Barron to the Canadiens to acquire Artturi Lehkonen. Obviously, that move has worked out well for Colorado, but I still wanted to see how Barron has performed.

Barron spent significant time in the AHL last season, which served him well once he returned to the NHL. His offensive prowess is impossible to ignore. He’s been very useful on the powerplay, and his overall production has also impressed.

When he joins the rush he presents a legitimate scoring threat.

Justin Barron scores his third (!!) goal of the year to tie the game. Great pass by RHP. Smart shot location by Barron.

Guhle gets an assist for starting the play.

Tie game.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/jJgVWL6ycH

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 28, 2023

Unfortunately, it’s a Jekyll and Hyde situation with Barron.

During one shift he can look like Bobby Orr, but the next he’s bobbling a puck like a drunken octopus handling a grenade.

His decision-making is also suspect. If Barron relies on his instincts, he can quickly clear the zone and start the breakout. If he has too much time to think, there are healthy odds he’ll make a poor pass or be stripped of the puck. Those poor decisions often directly lead to goals against.

If he’s to stick in the NHL he’ll have to minimize the glaring mistakes and trust his training.

A Justin Barron giveaway leads to a tie game.

St-Louis calls a time out. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/z20UA0xZC3

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 10, 2023

The post How Are Former Avalanche Players Fitting In On Their New Teams? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.