Sammy is not "just expendable" in the Avs system. They don't run a top 4 when healthy. They play a top 6 in Blend-nar's situational D. Everyone will be paired with everyone by the end of the game. 5v5 mins tend to level out through out the pairs. And to note Sammy's 5v5 mins usually match pretty close to or exceed Makar's. If one would watch more that a couple playoff games and some highlights, they would realize this. The Avs maintain pressure and pace because they can spread those 5v5 mins out, allowing the d to be fresh, and allow the Fs to be relentless on the floorcheck. So every time a F steps on the ice there is an above average to elite puck moving D to push the offence. This is how they can take an average to above average, goalie and F and make them look elite (I'm talking about Gru and Kadz). They don't try to do it with 4 good guys and a "PK pair." ALL 6. This is how , as the CoopTroop found out, Yes they can keep this pace up, all game, all season, all playoffs long.
Now lets look at EJ. He is not "just expendable" either. He, like Manson, is to complement the "puck movers", not that the both of them are not fairly decent puck movers in their own right, but I will leave that debate for another day. Neither Sammy or BB really go to the corners and battle. With BB's concussion issues and G's size not surprising it's not really their game. Hence, Ej and Manson, but because those two are not one dimensional pylons like JJ, MacDer... it works. That lack of presence in the corners cost us rd2 vs VGK. YES. At this point in his career, EJ is over paid, but unlike some other clubs, the Avs have some class and don't just throw away beloved vets if its not needed. EJ has one more year and is a "place holder" for MacK's raise next year. As MacF stated, "We plan for the short term as well as the long. That is our approach." Para-phrased - go check it out on the AVs home page if there is some confusion... Side note- we are getting a lot of Mac()s... The point is, they can not cut into EJ's cap (if on the team or not) beyond this year with any signings or trade. They won't trade him, but I can't see resigning next year. He will try for the repeat and retire an Av. Maybe the 1- 2mill vet/let me play deal. Lastly on this point, BB and EJ had some of the best "pairing" matrix throughout the playoffs - why screw with that?
Now all of this would not even be a discussion with out Kadz. I love and thank him for all that he has done this last year with the A crest. But he is not worth the 7+ mil and 5+yrs that some team is going to regret throwing at him. He is a little late to the party having his career year at 31 expecting big number to come his way. I know that I am reaching here, but I can't see Kadri's "Show me the money" attitude going over real hot with the Capt and Makar taking discounts last year and MacK stating that he'd take less on his next contract if that meant winning.
Lastly to that very real 2c hole. I was nervous last year when Nuke was to try and replace Saad's production. We all know how that went. Newy has the talent and the moxie. I say give him the opportunity. But a cheap vet back up like Stasts would be wise. Maybe he will come hm for a run. I don't think there is the same animosity with the front office as there is with say Factor or Dutchy. STL was home before CO. He did grow up there.
My rant is done. Roster on the road, send Kaut down at hm for gain cap.
For the most part I'd say you've summed it up pretty well, though I still think Sammy might be sacrificed if the Avs can find the right deal for a genuine 2C.
I agree with all of this, plus the Avs have two more years of Toews on a sweetheart deal, I think there's a good chance he walks after that unless the cap goes up significantly. When that happens, you're gonna be very happy to have a (then 26-year old) top 4 puck-moving D that still has 3 years left at $5 million. Yes, the Avs are making win-now moves, but their core is still ridiculously young, it's not like they're in the Pittsburgh/Washington just squeeze whatever you can out of however many years their core's have left. The Avs should be a contender for at least the next 5 years and maybe the next 10.
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