Avalanche Insider: Brutal upcoming road stretch will determine grade for GM Joe Sakic’s trade moves

The Avalanche’s final sprint toward the postseason features an gauntlet that is upcoming with six-of-seven matches. It’s imperfect timing, to say the very least, along with a rod for Colorado’s trade developments.

There are seven Avs players to the accident report: forward Andre Burakovsky, Matt Calvert, Nazem Kadri, Matt Nieto, Mikko Rantanen, Colin Wilson, along with goalie Philipp Grubauer. It seems the majority aren’t expected back till at least mid-March.

So, overall manager Joe Sakic added depth before the deadline with forward Vladislav Namestnikov (Senators) and goalie Michael Hutchinson (Maple Leafs). Neither should elicit enthusiasm on contracts — but that doesn’wont diminish their importance with street evaluations against the Hurricanes, Predators, Red Wings, Canucks, Sharks and Kings.

Namestnikov must offer point creation and establish effective at playing either wing or center, as advertised by trainer Jared Bednar. Hutchinson must be dependable when Pavel Francouz needs rest or unites the accident report. If either player fails to meet expectations, the onus will fall on Sakic along with his inability to craft a trade that pushed a contending Colorado team on the top.

The Avalanche may ’t afford a late-season letdown should they want to keep a top-three seed in the Central Division and prevent a Wild Card slot. Will the men make a distinction to make that happen? Stay tuned.

Kyle Fredrickson, The Denver Post

What’s tap?

At Carolina Hurricanes, 5 p.m. Friday, ALT
At Nashville Predators, 5 p.m. Saturday, ALT

Must-Read
Colorado Avalanche left wing J.T. Compher ...Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche left wing J.T. Compher (37), left, celebrates his game winning goal from the Buffalo Sabres at the next phase with teammates Nikita Zadorov (16), center, along with Tyson Jost (17) in the Pepsi Center Feb. 26, 2020.
Czech Republic natives, J.T. Compher, direct the Avalanche into 3-2 win over Buffalo Sabres

Czech Republic natives Martin Kaut and Pavel Francouz had another night Wednesday in the Avalanche’s triumph over the Buffalo Sabres in the Pepsi Center. Read more…

Colorado Avalanche Executive Vice President/General Manager, ...Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche Executive Vice President/General Manager, Joe Sakic, discusses recent trades the team made during a press conference clinic in the Family Sports Center Feb. 25, 2020.
Avalanche GM Joe Sakic on track deadline developments: “We love the chemistry in our dressing area ”

Colorado general manager Joe Sakic visited reporters on Tuesday in the team’s clinic facility and said he chose calls all of the way up before the p.m. Monday deadline. He explained why a trade’s absence wasn’t from a lack of trying. Read more…

Colorado Avalanche center Sheldon Dries (15) ...Sam Hodde, The Associated PressColorado Avalanche center Sheldon Dries (15) goes through warmups of a preseason NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Dallas.
Chambers: SoCal updates for Eagles’ Dries, O’Connor and second AHL team maybe coming into Colorado

The Calgary Flames favor an AHL team in precisely the exact identical time zone, along with also the World Arena is looking for another baseball renter because Colorado College is moving into the new on-campus Ed Robson Arena in the fall of 2021. Read more…

Quick Hits

+ Kiszla: Sparred from trade during deadline, Tyson Jost rekindles that loving feeling with Avs in victory against Buffalo

+ Avalanche obtained better Monday and forfeited alongside nothing — spare Tyson Jost’s pride

+ Avalanche goalie Pavel Francouz termed NHL’s No. 1 star of week

+ Avalanche add depth goalie Michael Hutchinson from Toronto

+ Avalanche Makes Russian ahead Vladislav Namestnikov

+ Altitude Sports to broadcast upcoming Nuggets sport, Avalanche game on Channel 20 this week

+ Dish Network shows latest suggestion to Altitude Sports, refutes claim it hasn’t put in good faith

+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team?  Ask Mike Chambers here.

By The Numbers

46%

Avalanche takeaways: Joonas Donskoi enhances to 6-for-13 (46%) in NHL livelihood shootouts

Donskoi increased to 6-for-13 (46% ) in his NHL career late Saturday night when he scored Jonathan Quick to give Colorado a 2-1 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center. Read more…

Parting Shot
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar ...Andy Cross, The Denver PostColorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar in the second period from the Buffalo Sabres in the Pepsi Center Feb. 26, 2020.
Avs coach Jared Bednar seems like he just left the duck blind with his camo jacket

Bednar, on Military Appreciation Night in Pepsi Center, chose to proceed with the camo blazer plus it’s a thing of beauty… single problem is that he seems like he went to the seat and just jumped from their duck blind. Read more…

Get in Touch

Should you see something which ’s cause for question or have an opinion, idea or suggestion, email me in [email protected] or talk me @beetbailey.



Article Source and Credit feeds.denverpost.com //feeds.denverpost.com/~r/dp-sports/~3/Y9brSSFwpgo/ Buy Tickets for every event – Sports, Concerts, Festivals and more buytickets.com