Is Avs’ division top heavy?
Q: Hey Mike, the closed division format has me and a lot of other fans excited, I don’t think we’ll see anything like this again for a long time. I hear that the West is being written off as one of the lessstacked groups, and I was wondering exactly how much of a “piece of cake” you expect it to be. I know the Avs struggled against Los Angeles and Anaheim teams last year that look to be rebuilding in the right direction. Any interesting takes on the West Division or any changes you expect to how the Avs will tackle games? Thanks a lot!
— Case, Lakewood
Mike: Colorado, Vegas and St. Louis are certainly strong and I’d say the West Division is pretty deep with exciting young teams. Minnesota is decent and although Anaheim, Arizona, L.A. and San Jose are rebuilding, they each have top veteran talent with interesting young guys. Did you see Team USA win the gold medal at the World Junior Championship last month? Many of the best players on that team are Anaheim and L.A. prospects.
But, for sure, the Avs, Knights and Blues are certainly the best and they each want
to get that No. 1 playoff seed to avoid playing the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the first round.
Q: I have read the WHL may not play this season and that Bo Byram is not eligible to play for the Colorado Eagles, so the only options for him are with the Avalanche or their taxi squad. Please explain. Thank you
— Steve Sertich, Centennial
Mike: Good question. This is what I know: Byram played his seventh game Sunday, kicking in the first year of his entry-level contract. And he is not eligible to return to his junior team (Vancouver Giants) and not eligible to play in the minor leagues (Colorado Eagles, Utah Grizzlies). The Avs have committed to having him play in the NHL the entire season, but whether or not he’s allowed to be placed on the taxi squad (which is new this year), I’m not sure. Seems like nobody is sure about that.
Q: Do you think Erik Johnson would waive his no-movement clause in order to allow the Avs to protect an additional defenseman? The likelihood of losing EJ to Seattle is very slim, considering we would have a few quality forwards (or
goaltender) available.
— Graeme, Vancouver
Mike: Yes, I think it’s likely. EJ is a team-guy, a do-anything guy to help the organization. And if he waives his notrade clause, the Avs can protect all three of their defensemen in Cale Makar, Sam Girard and Devon Toews.
Q: I don’t like how all players now have their helmets on their sticks during interviews to display the Ball logo ala NASCAR advertising this year. Such a bad look. Is the helmet logo here to stay? Also, why so much hate on the new color of the breezers? Feel like the blue is a sweet look.
—JB, Englewood
Mike: The helmet advertisements are a COVID thing, helping to generate revenue without fans in the stands. With full arenas, I expect the ads will go away in time. As for the new blue on the breezers, helmet and gloves, you’re just replacing what was black. I think folks will get used to that change.