The second part of the September Mailbag previews the upcoming Rookie Showcase that starts on Friday. Which of the young forwards have the best chance to make an impact on the NHL squad this year? Also, questions about Dave Hakstol running the power play and the new playoff salary cap rules.
Before you dive into it, check out the link below for the first half of the Avalanche Mailbag.
Question from Joe Cerwinski
Who, if anyone, will you be watching most closely at the Rookie Tournament?
Aarif’s Response
Taylor Makar would’ve been part of my answer, but he unfortunately will not be playing. He’s nursing an injury still and has been skating in a non-contact sweater during captain skates at Family Sports.
I’m still very interested in watching others. The main three are Nikita Prishchepov, Gavin Brindley, and Sean Behrens.
The two forwards seem like the most likely (along with Danil Gushchin, Ivan Ivan, and Zakhar Bardakov) to break into the lineup on a regular basis. I’m a fan of Brindley’s game. He’s got a lot of skill and it hasn’t yet translated to the NHL level. Maybe the Avs can unlock something in him.
And Prishchepov showed well in his first stint last year. I think he could be one of those late-round steals the Avs have yearned for. Let’s hope he takes a big step.
As for Behrens, after missing a full season, I’m interested in seeing where he is with his development. I don’t imagine he’ll be an NHL player this year but this showcase and a full season in the AHL will do him well.
Because it’s relatable to some of these players, I would like to add that the discourse about smaller players has gone way too far to the other side.
I believe the Avs need size, and preferably on the blueline. But that doesn’t mean any player under 6 feet or 200 pounds is suddenly useless and can’t fight back. I feel like many of the commenters on CHN need to ease up on that.
Question from Ryan
Who do you think becomes a steady presence in the bottom six out of Gavin Brindley, Ivan Ivan, Nikita Prishchepov, and Zakhar Bardarov? And when do you think we’ll get our first viewing of Ilya Nabokov and Mikhail Gulyayev coming over from the KHL?
Aarif’s Response
Funny you listed those names specifically. I noted each one in a previous question as the most likely options.
I can make an argument for each one, honestly. Ivan because Jared Bednar trusts him and used him for a half season last year. Bardakov because he’s a center and that’s the biggest need. Prishchepov because he got his first taste last year and showed well and has the potential to impress at camp and build that trust. Brindley because he’s a higher second-round pick with pedigree and someone the Avs targeted in that Columbus trade for a reason.
If I had to guess, I’d say Bardakov. But none of them would surprise me.
As for the KHL duo, I can honestly see them each getting a taste of NHL action late in the regular season if they’re available by then and the Avs have their playoff spot locked up. It’ll be tight if Gulyayev and Nabokov make the playoffs in Russia, though.
But if they can get to North America in time, and if they both played well enough in the KHL to earn some trust, I can see them getting a similar taste to what Ben Meyers got in 2022 after signing as a college UFA.
Question from Stephen Moss
Deen can you get some intel on how the Avalanche power play will change with Dave Hakstol on the coaching staff replacing Ray Bennett? Do you think he will have the authority to completely rebuild the power play.
The Avalanche have been very predicable on the power play in recent years. They have also struggled entering the offensive zone on the PP. They could use some fresh ideas on break-outs. Can we get some better puck movement on the power play?
Aarif’s Response
I’m not entirely sure what Hakstol has in store, but I do confidently believe something will change. The Avs wouldn’t have fired Bennett if he didn’t play a big part in running a PP that lost them the series against Dallas. I’d imagine Bednar gave Bennett some level of autonomy.
I also do think that the Rantanen trade ended an era regarding the power play, and the additions of Brent Burns, Brock Nelson, and possibly even Victor Olofsson could be the start of something new. Landeskog’s return will also play a role in the PP.
With all of those changes, and the underwhelming performance against the Stars, I like the fact that they’re opening the door for fresh ideas and a new voice to run the PP. Hopefully Hakstol steps up to the plate and does well with this group.
Question from Brad Jacobs
Could you touch on the new cap compliant playoff rule? Specifically, if the team must be hard cap compliant, how would they benefit by accruing cap space throughout the season to use at the trade deadline if an AAV snapshot is taken each playoff game? I’m probably looking at this wrong, but hard to find specific info on this question.
Aarif’s Response
I didn’t want to completely ignore this one because it’s an excellent question and very, very important for this team heading into the new season. But I’ve read and heard way too many conflicting reports about how it’s all going to work. It sounds like NHL teams and front offices are also trying to navigate it.
I’m saying all of this because I’d like to put a bookmark on this question and write an article about it later once it’s better understood. I’ll get back to it for sure.
