Outlook:

Once a dominant franchise, the Colorado Avalanche have taken a step back in the post-lockout era. Granted, the team has seen their share of injuries, but the Avs have also seen their fare share of departures as well.

Joe Sakic, the team’s leader since they were located in Quebec, has retired after 20 seasons with the organization. While it was time for Sakic to hang up the skates, he was certainly the face of the franchise, and his presence on and off the ice is irreplaceable.

However, some consider that the future of the Avalanche organization was drafted in the first round of this year’s draft.

Matt Duchene, drafted third overall, tallied 79 points (31 g, 48 a) last season with Brampton of the Ontario Hockey League. Fellow Avs forward Wojtek Wolski also played for Brampton and scored 128 points in his last season in 2005-06.

Another notable addition coming to Denver was goaltender Craig Anderson.

A native of Park Ridge, Illinois, Anderson spent the last three seasons with the Florida Panthers, and has shown signs of brilliance in the past.

The most games he has played in a season is 31, however, and even though he’s been a career backup, Anderson should be the No. 1 guy between the pipes in Denver. Peter Budaj will be the backup for the Avs this coming year.

On defense, the Avalanche return Scott Hannan, Brett Clark, John Michael-Liles, Ruslan Salei, and Adam Foote. In exchange for forward Ryan Smyth, who was sent to the Los Angeles Kings, the Avs acquired Tom Preissing and Kyle Quincey to help the blue line.

Offensively, the Avs are still looking for firepower, as they were ranked dead last in the league in scoring last year. While veteran Milan Hejduk is still around, and a healthy Paul Stastny should help the offense, there are still some questions on who else could step up in the front-line.

Duchene’s presence should also benefit the team, but they still need more help.

In addition to Duchene, the Avs do have a lot of potential up front. Ryan Stoa could see some time in his rookie year, and T.J. Hensick, Cody McLeod, and Chris Stewart should see more ice time as well.

On the checking lines, Darcy Tucker and Brian Willsie return for another season.

While the future of the Avalanche is worth looking forward to, the 2009-10 campaign is not one to be hyped about.

Yes it is true that October 1 (Joe Sakic night) will be a night to remember for Avs fans, but other than that, it will be a down year for first year head coach Joe Sacco. Since it will be a down year, don’t be surprised if veterans such as Hejduk, Foote, Hannan or Tucker are traded by the trade deadline.

 

Prediction: Fifth in Northwest, 14th in West

 

Projected Lines

Wojtek Wolski – Paul Stastny – Milan Hejduk
Cody McLeod – Matt Duchene – Marek Svatos
Ryan Stoa – T.J. Hensick – Darcy Tucker
Chris Stewart – Cody McCormick – Brian Willsie

Adam Foote – John Michael-Liles
Scott Hannan – Brett Clark
Ruslan Salei – Tom Preissing

Craig Anderson
Peter Budaj