Cup finalists a study in shrewd roster building

TAMPA, FLA. » In a copycat league known for following the Stanley Cup champions, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog paused when asked what other teams could do to emulate their success.

With a grin, Landeskog replied: “Find a Cale Makar somewhere.”

Playoff MVP Cale Makar was a big part of Colorado’s title run from the blue line, but more than anything else the Avalanche showed the value of speed and skill in the NHL as hockey moves dramatically to prioritize those elements in the name of scoring. The Avalanche and the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning, who fell two wins short of a three-peat, also provided evidence that it’s worth taking risks at the trade deadline.

Colorado traded its top two prospects and a couple of second-round picks to acquire forward Artturi Lehkonen and defenseman Josh Manson, along with trades for Andrew Cogliano and Nico Sturm that helped the Avalanche win their first championship since 2001. Landeskog heaped praise on general manager Joe Sakic and assistant Chris MacFarland for that.

“Joe and C-Mac did a great job of picking up some pieces along the way that really, really made us hard to play against,” Landeskog said. “Look at Cogs, look at Homer (Darren Helm), look at Sturm — look at all these guys, all these pieces that they just want to win so bad they want to do whatever it takes. It just adds up to just a hard team to play against.”

Perhaps the best lesson is what a team that’s hard to play against looks like.

The fast-moving Avs roared through the Western Conference playoffs that for years was known for big, heavy teams that pushed each other around. They needed the bulk and grit of Manson, center Nazem Kadri and others to endure the Lightning.

Thanks to sixth-year coach Jared Bednar, who instilled a focus after several playoff disappointments, Colorado was also mentally ready for Tampa Bay’s push — and much like the Lightning proved patience can pay off for organizations willing to stand behind their most important people amid trying times.

This Stanley Cup Final finished that point, after the Lightning staved off elimination to send the series back to Tampa. Even after falling behind in Game 6, the Avalanche bounced back to be champions.

While the Avalanche are facing a cap crunch with Manson, Kadri and goaltender Darcy Kuemper up for free agency, Tampa Bay for the first time in a few years has some room to maneuver without breaking up its core.

Goal-scoring winger Ondrej Palat and defenseman Jan Rutta are free agents, along with trade deadline acquisition Nick Paul, but Lightning GM Julien BriseBois has worked magic before to get under the cap.