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3 Comments (1 conversation)
halvy39
Great article as always.
Been thinking about the bottom six, and what an ideal scenario would look like come playoff time. The dream scenario in my mind is healthy Drouin and Landy, trade for a 3c (cap-retained Compher??? – again, dreaming), then Kivi-Kelly-LOC as a 4th line, and Ivan as extra (Wood probably dealt or still on IR). So, bottom six could be:
Landy-3C-Drouin
Kivi-Kelly-LOC
Does that make sense for a third line? Does it give you enough of what you need from a bottom six (pk, forecheck, defense, etc.)? Would love a deep dive from you on what you think ideal bottom six would be, as I see that as the big project for the rest of the year (along with solidifying 4th D whatever way that works out).
AJ Haefele
AuthorThis would be a tremendous bottom six if we’re being honest. I just don’t think it’s something they can plan for with the uncertainty of Landy, both his viability to even play and the kind of player he will be if he returns to the lineup. Putting him in the bottom six is smart, though, and gives you a chance. The problem is the money involved because if he returns, they have to move a little money out to fit him in. If Wood really is out for the season, then it gets easier to make the math work, but it greatly limits what the Avs will be able to do at the trade deadline to add around the edges. Finding a 3C will be a real challenge as it is.
The fourth line you propose is certainly an improvement as that line has found success operating as a third line. Very strong defensively. I guess the conversation that needs to happen in Colorado is about prioritizing a 3C or an impact defenseman if Josh Manson’s game doesn’t round into form.
Once again, the Landy domino looms largest.
halvy39
Yep – in this dream/fantasy scenario, the Avs have cap space to make moves because Landy doesn’t return until game 1 of the playoffs, in which he scores the first goal then does to Jamie Benn what he did to Schenn, and the Avs finally beat the Stars in a series.
Also, a very small part of me wonders if the Avs are cagey with Landy info because it’s exactly their plan for Landy to return for playoffs (even plan a couple “setbacks” so that the timing works and people don’t get suspicious). I know the reality is that they truly don’t know, and would much prefer to have him in season, and wouldn’t play those kind of games. But the optimist/conspiracy theory is more fun at this point.