BT's 2008-09 NHL Season Preview: Colorado Avalanche

Bryan Thiel by Senior Writer Written on September 03, 2008
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Preface: The CL's are back! Kind of...

Following the preview of Minnesota where we were sans Community Leaders, we're back to where we are with Edmonton: Introducing some new writers you may not have heard of!

Anyways, today we're moving on to the Rocky Mountains, and dealing with the Colorado Avalanche.

Let's get to it:

 

There were only a few things I could think once I heard that the third jerseys were coming back to the NHL.

One of them was that I hope the Avalanche's old jersey comes back.

I can honestly say that I miss the diagonally written "Avalanche" across the front of the maroon jersey with the old-style tie-ups at the front. I thought they were snazzy.

And yes, I just said snazzy. And no, Clinton from "what not to wear" isn't proofreading this.

A few years ago though, I looked forward to Colorado Avalanche playoff runs as much as I'm looking forward to the new Pacino-DeNiro movie.

Now, both are older, both have slipped a little—but at least we're guaranteed a release date on the movie. The Avs aren't guaranteed anything in this division this year.

 

Roster Additions: Darcy Tucker-F (F.A.), Andrew Raycroft-G (F.A.), Daniel Tjarnqvist-D (F.A)

Roster Subtractions:
Jose Theodore-G (F.A.), Andrew Brunette-F (F.A.), Jeff Finger-D (F.A.), Kurt Sauer-D (F.A.), Peter Forsberg-F (F.A.),Jeff Jillson-D (F.A.), Brad Richardson-F (Trade)

How did 2007-08 go? 44-31-7, 95 points, Sixth in conference, second in Northwest, lost in second round of 2008 playoffs (Western Conference).

2008-09 Goal:
First in Conference, Conference Semi-Finals.

 

Let's break'er down!

As the Colorado Avalanche geared up for the playoffs last season, it seemed that everything old was new (or returning a wee bit older) once again.
 
Peter Forsberg, the annual head (ok, foot) case had returned to his old stomping grounds—I'm serious...there's no pun intended there whatsoever—in hopes of recapturing some magic with the seemingly ageless Joe Sakic. Adam Foote was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in an attempt to add some added insurance and stability to the blue line, and the Avs looked to be going on a reunion tour, hopefully with their favorite member—Lord Stanley—in tow.
 
Well, that didn't happen—and with that, the Avs were forced into a summer of decisions, with some of their older acquisitions approaching free agency along with some of their younger players.


 
Burnaby Joe looks to captain Colorado to another Cup

 
The biggest news for the Avalanche this season is probably that Joe Sakic is returning for one more season. In contrast to all of the hype surrounding Mats Sundin's decision, Joe Sakic quietly took his time in deciding one more year was worth it for the heart and soul of the Quebec-Colorado franchise.
 

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written on September 03, 2008 Sports

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