Avalanche urged to kick tires on surprising waiver goalie in latest development
Photo credit: Bob Frid / USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche are being urged to take a hard look at a surprising waiver option, as uncertainty surrounding their goaltending depth continues to raise questions with the regular season fast approaching.
The Avalanche may be staring down a complicated goaltending situation, one that could potentially be eased with the right waiver pickup at just the right time.
Avalanche urged to acquire a goalie in latest development.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that the Avalanche could be facing a tense situation in goal, as starting netminder Mackenzie Blackwood may open the season sidelined.
Blackwood suffered a lower-body injury during training ahead of camp and has yet to see any preseason action, though he has participated in some on-ice drills.
"As such, the Avalanche look like they'll be betting on backup Scott Wedgewood opening the season as the starter with Colorado Eagles starter Trent Miner backing him up. From what we've seen thus far in the preseason, a Wedgewood-Miner tandem is not the worst thing in the world." -Quixtan
But what if the Avalanche could add another goaltender without breaking the bank?
"That could be the case if Boston Bruins goalie Michael DiPietro hits waivers at the end of camp. DiPietro has been a stellar AHL-level goalie, but has struggled at the NHL level. Still, the Bruins think highly enough of him to want to keep him on the roster." -Quixtan
Colorado could claim 26-year-old DiPietro off waivers, pairing him with Wedgewood while Blackwood recovers and sending Miner back to the Eagles full-time.
"The idea of adding DiPietro sounds great. He could be a fantastic addition. However, the Avs may run into a crowded crease when Blackwood returns. The Avs would suddenly have three goalies.
The Avs could also send DiPietro to the Eagles. But that opens up the same situation as Boston. Colorado risks losing DiPietro for nothing. But then again, once Blackwood is fully healthy, losing DiPietro could be a loss the team is prepared to take." -Quixtan
The Avs could also send DiPietro to the Eagles. But that opens up the same situation as Boston. Colorado risks losing DiPietro for nothing. But then again, once Blackwood is fully healthy, losing DiPietro could be a loss the team is prepared to take." -Quixtan
If it pans out, the Avalanche could gain flexibility. In a goalie-starved market, Colorado might even get a solid return for a career backup.
"This entire conversation hinges on two things, however. First, this idea depends on the Bruins placing DiPietro on waivers as they attempt to send him down to the AHL. The second element is that every other team in front of the Avalanche chooses to pass on DiPietro." -Quixtan
Given the Avalanche's situation, it's worth considering the addition of another goaltender.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 30 | 28 ANSWERS Avalanche urged to kick tires on surprising waiver goalie in latest development Given Colorado's lack of goaltending depth, should the Avalanche consider acquiring another netminder off the waiver wire? | ||
| yes | 18 | 64.3 % |
| no | 10 | 35.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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