Division rival's aggressive free agency puts Avalanche in very tough spot
Photo credit: Tyler Tate / Mile High Sticking
The Colorado Avalanche will have to closely monitor their division rivals as the battle for playoff positions in the Central Division intensifies.
The Utah Mammoth had an impressive offseason, sending a clear message to the rest of the division.
Avalanche on high alert after Utah's assertive free agency.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that the Mammoth made headlines by pulling off a major trade for J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. They followed that up by selecting top prospect Caleb Desnoyers with with the fourth-overall pick, adding even more excitement to their offseason.
"Now, the Mammoth have added considerable depth to their club by re-signing Kailer Yamamoto and then adding blue liners Nate Schmidt and Scott Perunovich. Utah also boosted its depth with Brandon Tanev up front. The club also added Vitek Vanacek to deliver goaltending depth. Vanacek and Schmidt are fresh off a Stanley Cup championship with the Florida Panthers." -Quixtan
Utah has made significant moves this offseason to bolster its group of rising young stars. As a result, the Avalanche, along with other Central Division rivals, will have another formidable opponent to deal with in an increasingly competitive race.
Does this mean the Mammoth are now Stanley Cup contenders?
The first hurdle for Utah is simply reaching the playoffs, something that could realistically happen as early as next season. That's why established playoff teams like Colorado, Dallas, and Winnipeg will be feeling the added pressure with another contender entering the mix.
"Every team that made the playoffs this past season will now be hard-pressed to fight off the Minnesota, St. Louis Blues, and Utah Mammoth. As many as six teams will be vying for three playoff spots. Of course, there are two other wild card slots in the Western Conference. But those slots are shared with the teams in the Pacific Division. So, it looks like making the playoffs next season won't be a walk in the park." -Quixtan
The Avalanche will be forced to hit the ground running when the new season begins, as they'll have their work cut out for them starting in October.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Division rival puts Colorado Avalanche on notice following Day 1 of NHL free agency
Mile High Sticking
Division rival puts Colorado Avalanche on notice following Day 1 of NHL free agency
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 3 | 24 ANSWERS Division rival's aggressive free agency puts Avalanche in very tough spot Will the Utah Mammoth make the playoffs next season? | ||
| yes | 10 | 41.7 % |
| no | 14 | 58.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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