Breaking down the curious case of Casey Mittelstadt

Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty ImagesA critical factor in the path back to the Stanley Cup for the Colorado Avalanche rests on the fortification of their forward depth. A move the organization optimistically believed would solidify their second line at the center position was in their spring trade for Casey Mittelstadt. Early returns have been mixed with still a few questions lingering.

With just five assists and no goals in the last 18 games, there has been a lot of focus lately on the 26-year-old’s lack of shooting as an indicator of his decreased involvement in the play and cause for the recent production drought. While that may be true on the surface, there’s a deeper concern with…