As always let’s start with the good news: the Colorado Avalanche are in the running for a play off spot! However, it was more obvious than ever against Chicago that they still have gaps to fill, most obviously at defense. And I am so sick of the Avalanche trying to save money or look smart by trying to mold journeyman D and waivered players into NHL defenseman.
I’ve said it before, NHL scouting is so complete and thorough that 99% of players who have been journeyman D most of their careers aren’t that good. And teams don’t waive players with no value risking good players for nothing — especially considering the recent proliferation of the “conditioning stint” loophole that can send players down without subjecting them to waivers.