Avalanche, Lightning show importance of making smart trades
In a copycat TAMPA, FLA. — league known for following the Stanley Cup cham- pions, 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 scor- ing. The Avalanche and the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning, who fell two wins short of a threepeat, also provided evidence that it’s worth taking risks at the trade deadline for the right fits.
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.
Captain Gabriel Landeskog had plenty of praise for general manager Joe Sakic and assistant Chris MacFarland in the moments after winning the Cup.
“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.”
The fast-moving Avalanche 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 provided by Manson, center Nazem Kadri and others to endure the Lightning.
Thanks to coach Jared Bednar, who instilled a focus in his team 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 even amid trying times.