Thanks! Very interesting speculation about Mikko’s contract.

Is Milan Hejduk a HHoFer? Both with his NHL and international accolades.

Besides this skills coach being brought in, is there any obvious changes that the organization is doing about development? It’s getting a little old to get hyped up on these young guys and then nothing pans out.

Also, with all the talk of concussions and the very real problems the Avs are having with them… Why aren’t players required to keep their chin straps tight? It drives me batty. Do you think that the league needs to crack down on players on wearing their helmets properly?

According to cap friendly for next season the Avs sit at around $33.5 million in cap space having to re-sign RFA’s: Rantanen, Kerfoot, Compher, Zadorov, Andrighetto, Kamenev. If Rants gets his $9 million bridge deal what to do the other members of that RFA class receive with the remaining $24.5 million? Knowing we will have a hole at goalie to fill with a new Varly contract or another UFA goalie (If Francouz isn’t ready).

I’m assuming that Wilson, Bourque, and Nemeth are all gone next season?

Random question: I was very happy the Avs drafted Kaut in June, but if Kaut was taken by Florida (15th overall), who would the Avs had taken? Denisenko? Veleno (or did he fall hard for a reason I’m not aware of)? Who was up next?

I’ve been curious for a while what Sakic’s draft board looked like and wasn’t sure the best way to ask. Thanks!

Question/Discussion point for next pod:

What impact does the looming Seattle expansion have on the Avs upcoming contract negotiations (if any).

Is Mark Stone a realistic forward UFA target for the avs next off season or are they focusing on continuing to develop in house (which takes time) the current and upcoming kids (jost, kerfoot, compher, Bowers, Kaut).they’re banking on these kids to take over top 6, but would it worth be looking closer to bring in a high caliber guy like Stone?

Die hard Avs / Bsn Avs fan from Whitehorse, YT , CAN

Is there a special reason why young players do not go to europe during/after their draft year more often? It always seems strange to me why theese young guys don’t do what Matthews did with the ZSC Lions from CH. I mean they get to play with grown man, play at least 50 games (whyle missing the playoffs) and even can make some money. If it’s all about hockey and they won’t go to college i don’t see much of a downside. It prepares them much better for what’s to come in the AHL/AHL than playing agains 16 year old boys.

Or am I completely wrong in this?

Cheers from Switzerland! =)