High times executive writer Jonas Pablo hooked up with the Avalanche squad during a team bonding bocce tournament during the past weekend.The team seemed to be very confident, almost ****y, heading into the 08-09 season, but GM Simnor seems to have put his foot down with a number of players.
We need to forget being bumped out first round last year, and come into this year with a fresh new start.Nobody put us winning the west last year, and it was a great accomplishment, but we were dominated in the first round, and that just cant happen. The fans want more, I want more, and Sean F***ing ODonnell wants more!
Speaking of free agency and the lack thereof, GM Simnor stated that his initial expectation was to get a puck moving dman, but as Jovo and Blake were being overpaid, he just couldnt justify.Old man ODonnell was the right fit.His strong defense, and witty sense of humor will fit right in.
Yah the original plan was to get the Jovo cop, but we can do without.We have strong defensive dmen, and thats what I like. . .We will score with our scorers and get the odd contribution from our D Craig has got a boomer and Loodsy can pass a friggen puck. Dunc has got some nice speed aswellAs you can see, Bryan (Berrard) is still at home sulking, waiting for his last pay cheque that I withheld, because of his **** play in the play-offsbut ya never know, he may surface and get some PP time.
As the afternoon turned into a real boozer and Simnor had a few, he turned his attention to the vast potential of some of his youngsters (who at this time were just finishing their third keg stand each, and Bobby was slurring his ideas of playing in the farm system
Heres the way I see it. I will give each and every one of them a legit shot at making the big club, but they just wont make it this year. I dont need Claude or Bobby playing on my 4th line. What the hell is that going to do for them? They will get way more chicks and party time playing down in the A, and it will be a nice transition for them. Blake has a hard enough time as it is picking up women, so I need him to be a superstar for a year. It will get his confidence up both of the ice and on. . .
When asked about what prospect he believe will be the diamond in the rough Simnor looked directly at two players Perrault and Schwarz.Mathieu is a legit offensive threat wherever he plays. With the right lineys, he will be dangerousSchwarz has got a bad wrap lately, but as well all know, goalies are usually late bloomers and he is no exception. Look for him in the next two years as a mature netminder
With the majority of the Avs getting higher re-rates than last year, scoring will not be a problem. Goal tending on the other hand will be questionable. Simnor stated that he is somewhat concerned, but has had three chances already to land solid (80+ OV) ,young keepers , but at the expense of highly touted prospects, its just not in the plans.. I really want to see how this tandem can work out. Dan and Peter hate each other. Just hate each other.They dont support each other at all, and cant get changed in the same changeroomit should make for a good battle for the starting spot
The Avs are currently shopping for a 3rd line left winger who can take Kilgers (PM any offers on 2nd/3rd liners) spot but
the training camp lines are currently set at: (once position moves take place)
St.Loius Richards Malkin
Morrow Horcoff Sharp
Kilger Kozlov Grier
Robitaille Horcoff Downie
Keith Schultz
Rivet Lydman
Mclaren ODonnell
Mara Berard/Woywitka
Ellis
Budaj
and the Avs will be rolling into training camp with the same new attitude..Score more goals than the other team!!!!
