Avalanche defenseman Mark Barberio took a moment to reflect recently on the ice at Pepsi Center with a look around at Colorado’s journeymen — a group of players picked up on waivers that discovered a new hockey life in the Rockies.
Montreal passed on Barberio. Philadelphia said “no thanks” to defenseman Mark Alt. Winger Matt Nieto arrived from San Jose. Dallas offered up defenseman Patrik Nemeth. Their common bond is equal parts gratitude and success.
“I think any player individually who gets a second chance to prove that he can play in the league and contribute to a winning team just wants to take advantage of it,” Barberio said.