Real Denver Sports has provided some thoughts on an article by Aaron Lopez at InDenverTimes.com regarding the possibility of Tyler Arnason parting ways with the Colorado Avalanche.
Neither author is too broken up by the prospect of him departing Denver and I don’t necessarily disagree with them based on his performance this year. However, I think Arnason is a good hockey player and has plenty of potential to excel. In years past Arnason has always been on lines with player who simply do not understand the game of hockey. He was so busy covering for his line mates that were constantly out of position and had no desire to focus on the fundamentals he never had a chance to play. He would occasionally end up on a different line or have the opportunity to skate with a special line and he would usually produce be it a goal, assist or just great play. This is going to be frustrating to anyone. I would submit that after a number seasons dealing with this you just give up and I think that is where Arnason finds himself today.
If a trade is forth coming I hope Arnason finds an opportunity he will be excited about and hopefully will excel. Further, I hope the Avalanche can pick up a player who will be excited to play for such a venerable organization
I have to both agree with you here Derek. Arnason is a good player; maybe not a great player, but he has been solid for us before. But the inevitable is that we will have to part ways with him. I don’t think this is necessarily because of how he’s been playing this season (if that were the case we would have to let most of our roster go), but rather because of contracts. With 13 players already taking up nearly $44 million of the $56.7 million salary cap, Giguere is going to have to get creative if he’s still around. We won’t be able to resign Arnason without a considerable pay cut, which he’d probably have to take from any team anyway. But with other players from the minors able to make the same efforts Arnason has made, it’s a no brainer. On top of that, the $44 mil already spoken for next season doesn’t include Sakic, if he chooses to stay, and doesn’t include a goalie. Where are the priorities here? While I used to be an Arnason fan and now feel indifferent, it’ll still a bummer to see him go, if and when the time comes.
I like your “let most of the roster go” comment.
I don’t know much about the Avs’ salary situation so I can not comment much on trade decisions from that view point but given what you said I can see the need. I don’t see Sakic returning which would free up some money and we really need to get a goalie.