Avalanche reportedly pursuing key goaltender upgrade this offseason
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The Colorado Avalanche will need to take a serious look at their goaltending depth this offseason, as their current depth chart features netminders with little to no NHL experience.
Beyond Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, the Avalanche are noticeably thin in the crease. That leaves the team with no choice but to prioritize strengthening its goaltending depth this offseason.
Avalanche's Cup dream in jeopardy.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that according to PuckPedia, prospects Ilya Nabokov and Isak Posch are among the other goalies within the system. Trent Miner, who served as the primary goalie for the Colorado Eagles, remains under contract for two more seasons. Additionally, Adam Scheel is a Group 6 unrestricted free agent.
"That's pretty much that. Aside from Miner, none of the aforementioned goalies has NHL experience. Nabokov and Posch have come over from Europe. Meanwhile, Scheel has AHL experience with the Texas Stars. If we dig deeper, we find Shamil Shmakov, Louka Cloutier, and Ivan Yunin in the Avalanche's system. Again, none of these goaltenders can step in to provide depth at the NHL level." -Quixtan
This situation means the Avalanche will likely need to acquire at least one more goalie with NHL experience for added insurance. Given how quickly injuries can arise among NHL goaltenders, having a dependable third-string option is essential.
"The most appealing name still out there is veteran James Reimer. Reimer spent last season with the Buffalo Sabres, but found himself on the outside looking in. Similarly, Ilya Samsonov, who was the starter with the Toronto Maple Leafs a couple of seasons ago, could be another solid option." -Quixtan
Colorado could certainly rely on Miner as their third-strong goalie. However, if Blackwood were to get injured, leaving Blackwood and Miner as the main tandem, it could become a risky situation. That's why bringing in veteran third-string option like Reimer or Samsonov would provide much-needed peace of mind for the team and fans alike.
The team still has the entire summer to explore additional options in goal for assed insurance. Last season clearly demonstrated that no team can ever have too much goaltending depth.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 16 | 30 ANSWERS Avalanche reportedly pursuing key goaltender upgrade this offseason Which goalie would you want the Avalanche to sign as a third-stringer? | ||
| James Reimer | 11 | 36.7 % |
| Ilya Samsonov | 19 | 63.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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