Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now offered up some suggestions for things the Colorado Avalanche can do before next season begins in October: Naturally, Rawal argues that the Avalanche would do well if they added more players to their bottom six forward core.
Currently, Colorado's revenue is projected to consist of mid-level NHL options, including Joel Kiviranta, Chris Wagner and Parker KellyThe Avalanche will need to improve this aspect of their team's composition if they want to compete for a championship in the 2024-25 NHL season. The team may have three strong forward lines, but that won't be enough to compete in a competitive Central Division.
Teams could potentially fill these roster spots with prospects like: Nikolay Kovalenko But there are still options to add in free agency, and at this point in the offseason, Lawal maintains Colorado could target players like: Stephen Lorenz He will anchor the team's fourth line and fill out the rest of the forward core with interior options.
Other central notes:
- The Athletic magazine ranked the Nashville Predators as the team with the best goaltending situation in the National Hockey League (subscription required). The Predators have one of the best goaltenders in the league. Jose Saros He has started 333 games and maintained a .917 save percentage. Even after signing Saros to an eight-year, $61.92 million contract extension, the Predators still had one of the best goaltending prospects around. Yaroslav Askarov Last season, he appeared in 44 games for the team's AHL affiliate in Milwaukee, compiling 30 wins, 13 losses and one tie for a .911 save percentage.
- The Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, have added a new player to their lineup. Oliver Chau Chau signed an AHL contract through the 2024-25 season (X-Link). Chau was a standout scorer last year with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, recording 26 goals and 60 points in 70 games. In addition to his regular season success, Chau was named Playoff MVP and recorded nine goals and 23 points in 23 postseason games en route to winning the Kelly Cup Championship.
