Analyst suggests Avalanche scored a sneaky win in Mikko Rantanen blockbuster
Photo credit: Jerome Miron / Imagn Images
An analyst is suggesting that the Colorado Avalanche may have quietly come out on top in last season's Mikko Rantanen blockbuster trade, arguing that the move could provide them with unexpected advantages moving forward.
Last season, the Avalanche shocked the NHL by trading Rantanen to the Dallas Stars, though some analysts say the blockbuster was fairly even.
Analyst sparks controversy with latest Mikko Rantanen comments.
Vince Hull from Blades of Steel writes that Colorado received Martin Necas and Jack Drury in the deal, players expected to play key roles, though many fans and analysts were skeptical. Now, a year later, Drury might be proving the skeptics wrong.
The 25-year-old forward is entering the final year of his contract and, according to Avalanche reporters, appears determined to silence his critics.
Ryan O'Hara of Mile High Hockey recently noted that Drury's performance in training camp suggests he's ready to take on a much larger role.
"Based on his performance during Tuesday morning's optional skate at Family Sports Center, Drury left little doubt about his value. On the ice, he demonstrated the skill, poise, and competitiveness that suggest he is more than ready to play a pivotal role for the Avalanche this upcoming season." -O'Hara
Since arriving in Colorado, Drury's tireless work may be paying off. O'Hara noted he's not just finishing plays but driving them, creating speed-driven zone entries and forcing defenders into mistakes.
In one standout practice moment, Victor Olofsson fed him a perfect pass, and Drury buried a one-timer that reportedly echoed through the rink.
"If Drury can solidify himself as Colorado's third-line center, the Avalanche could ice one of the deepest top-nine forward groups in the NHL. Paired with an elite defensive corps and a goaltender entering his prime, the foundation remains strong even without Rantanen." -Hull
The trade might ultimately be seen less as losing a superstar and more as reshaping Colorado's roster depth. It's still too early to declare a winner, but early signs suggest the Avalanche are in better shape than many anticipated.
Drury's development, in particular, is the storyline to watch, if he takes the next step, this blockbuster could quietly turn into a win for Colorado.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 7 | 19 ANSWERS Analyst suggests Avalanche scored a sneaky win in Mikko Rantanen blockbuster Do you think the Avalanche secretly won the Mikko Rantanen trade? | ||
| yes | 12 | 63.2 % |
| no | 7 | 36.8 % |
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