Avalanche GM breaks silence and sends chilling message to fans ahead of next season
Photo credit: Michael Martin / NHLI
After a period of quiet, Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland finally breaks his silence, delivering a chilling and thought-provoking message as the team prepares for the upcoming NHL season.
This offseason, MacFarland executed several key moves, most notably signing second-line center Brock Nelson to a contract extension, and adding veteran defenseman Brent Burns to the roster.
Chris MacFarland sends a chilling message to fans.
Adam Kimelman from NHL.com writes that the Avalanche acquired Nelson in a trade with the New York Islanders on March 6, and on June 4, Nelson chose to sign a three-year contract with Colorado, opting to avoid free agency.
Following the trade, Nelson contributed 13 points (six goals, and seven assists) across 19 regular-season games, then added four assists in seven Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
After years of seeking the ideal replacement following Nazem Kadri's departure after the championship season, GM MacFarland is confident that Nelson is the right fit for the team.
"I thought he did everything that he could and played well. He's a smart defensive centerman. He's long. He's lengthy. I think we're going to use him a bit more in the special-teams role now that he'll have a full training camp and things like that behind him.
«But Brock is a proven player at this level. He takes good care of himself, and he fit in. And I think at the end of the day, he saw that. He saw a good group and he wanted to continue to be a part of it." -MacFarland
«But Brock is a proven player at this level. He takes good care of himself, and he fit in. And I think at the end of the day, he saw that. He saw a good group and he wanted to continue to be a part of it." -MacFarland
Along with solidifying their 2C, Colorado also strengthened their defense by signing Burns to a one-year contract on July 2.
MacFarland highlighted that one of the aspects he's most excited about this season is the added size and experience that Burns, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 228 pounds, brings to the team's defense.
"I think he's going to add a lot, on and off the ice. I think his career speaks for itself. He's a character. But when game time, practice time [comes], [he's in] elite shape, takes care of himself, elite hockey player. I think there's also a juice component he brings everywhere he's been. He's a beloved teammate if you just talk to people and players and GMs who have been around him. This is a special person. We're super excited to have him." -MacFarland
Excitement builds for a healthy season from Gabriel Landeskog, who returns in the postseason after a knee injury, along with full seasons from new goalies Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood.
"I think we have a very good hockey team. That's doesn't mean the magic wand has been spread over the group and we're anointed because we're not. We have to get back on the hunt." -MacFarland
However, that offseason momentum must carry into the regular seasons.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 7 | 36 ANSWERS Avalanche GM breaks silence and sends chilling message to fans ahead of next season Are you satisfied with Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland's moves heading into next season? | ||
| yes | 13 | 36.1 % |
| no | 23 | 63.9 % |
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