From July 16-Aug 16, we’ll be profiling all 30 NHL teams by recapping what they did this offseason and previewing their upcoming campaigns.
2011-12 season
41-35-6, 88 points; 11th in the Western Conference and third in Northwest Division.
Additions
P.A. Parenteau, John Mitchell and Greg Zanon
Departures
Peter Mueller, Jay McClement and Kevin Porter
2012 Draft
No first-round pick.
Looking back
The Colorado Avalanche experienced an uneven 2011-12 season, but some in the organization may feel encouraged by the team’s late charge in March. Trade acquisitions Steve Downie and Jamie McGinn made enough of an impact to inspire some added optimism as well.
Semyon Varlamov’s up-and-down year probably had the biggest impact on Colorado’s fortunes, yet the team hopes for more consistency from Matt Duchene, Erik Johnson and Paul Stastny than they showed.
Gabriel Landeskog’s Calder Trophy season ranked among the team’s biggest highlights last season.
Looking forward
The Avalanche boast a young roster that could see quite a bit of improvement from within if the right buttons are pushed. Varlamov, Landeskog, Johnson, Stastny and especially Duchene could conceivably take another step forward next season.
Parenteau represents the biggest addition while the franchise gambled a bit by allowing injury-prone winger Mueller leave for nothing. One might also look at last season’s late arrivals Downie and McGinn as “new” players too, though.
Head coach Joe Sacco enters an important season. A third consecutive failed playoff run might bring his work in Colorado to an end.
Have your say
Vote in our poll and let us know what you think about the Avs’ 2012-13 outlook in the comments section.
[polldaddy poll=6441546]