Ex-Avalanche player criticizes team over Rantanen trade

The Avalanche experienced this kind of turnover after their Stanley Cup win in 2021-22. Key players like Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovski, Darcy Kuemper, and Evan Rodrigues all moved on. Even Kiefer Sherwood had a breakout season with the Vancouver Canucks. That's just how the cycle of professional sports works.

Graham Tiedtke from Mile High Sticking writes that since their Stanley Cup victory, the Avalanche have had quite a journey. They've reached the playoffs every year since, except for head coach Jared Bednar's first season, but haven't advanced beyond the second round. Bednar has now been eliminated in the second round four times and, including this season, has lost in the first round three times.

Usually, when I see a player's post like Kadri's on social media, it feels like a sign that something's about to fall apart, like the players already expect it. The best we can do is watch how things unfold with the team. Some fans have lost faith in Bednar, others in GM Chris MacFarland. We can't change the team's decisions, but we can definitely talk about it. I'd really love to hear everyone's thoughts on where you want to see the Avs headed next.

Tiedtke also writes that Colorado recently fired their assistant coach, Ray Bennett, who was responsible for the team's special teams. It was a much-needed change since the special teams struggled down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Now, it'll be interesting to see who they bring in to fill that role and how it impacts the team moving forward.

Source:
Mile High Sticking
Former Avalanche player takes shot at team for Rantanen departure