New report addresses the biggest question mark that could be holding the Avalanche back next season
Photo credit: AP Photo / David Zalubowski
The Colorado Avalanche have a pretty solid lineup heading into this NHL season, but going into training camp they will have a big concern regarding the depth of the bottom six forwards.
This concern is mainly focused on the wings, as they have a decent look up the middle.
Colorado Avalanche need to address their bottom six depth issue.
Nestor Quixtan of Mile High Sticking spoke on the lack of depth when we look at the third and fourth lines of the Avalanche, most notably on the wings.
On the bright side they look pretty solid up the middle, with Jack Drury and Parker Kelly. While they are somewhat unproven they will have the opportunity to show they belong and all signs point to them being ready for puck drop in the fall.
"Things get a bit dicey when looking at the wings. Daily Faceoff projects Daniil Gushchin on the left side with Ross Colton on the right wing of the third line. Colton is a solid choice, but Gushchin will have to prove he belongs in that slot." -Quixtan
If Colton and Drury work out as intended, it still leaves major concerns for the left wing position.
"If Gushchin can't fill in adequately, there's no telling who could take over. That brings us to the fourth line. Ivan Ivan and Joel Kiviranta will man the wings with Kelly. Ivan looked good last season and should get a shot. But Kiviranta seems out of place on the fourth line. He's proven he's too good to be a fourth-line grinder playing under 10 minutes a night." -Quixtan
Kirivanta should really be considered for the third line. That way you have a lot of potential with Drury and Colton, and you place Gushchin on the fourth line.
However, this is all just speculation that these players perform as expected. If they don't it could force Colorado to go through the farm system to try and find a hidden gem.
There is a lot of competition at the bottom of the lineup, which could prove to be a good motivator for the young unproven players. But it does create a lot of uncertainty for the head office and the fans entering the season.
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