How much disposable income do the Avs have?

[Hitman*]

I was watching the FLames/Avs game a couple nights ago and something the announcers said stuck in my mind. How the Avs lack their foot soldiers. They lack the specialists on their 3rd line, which could be a contributing reason to their less than stellar start and why they aren't a favorite right now for the cup.

Then I was thinking, its not like there aren't any of these 3rd and 4th liners available (and for cheap now). Guys like Thomas, Corson, Graves and Oates would be perfect for a team like Colorado. They have the scoring up front, but they could add these heart and soul grinders to give them that extra dimension.

Just a thought. But how much extra money would they be willing to spend?

[Goulet17]

Originally Posted by Hitman

I was watching the FLames/Avs game a couple nights ago and something the announcers said stuck in my mind. How the Avs lack their foot soldiers. They lack the specialists on their 3rd line, which could be a contributing reason to their less than stellar start and why they aren't a favorite right now for the cup.

Then I was thinking, its not like there aren't any of these 3rd and 4th liners available (and for cheap now). Guys like Thomas, Corson, Graves and Oates would be perfect for a team like Colorado. They have the scoring up front, but they could add these heart and soul grinders to give them that extra dimension.

Just a thought. But how much extra money would they be willing to spend?

The problem isn't with the Avs lack of quality "foot soldiers" but more with recent rash of injuries.

The Avs currently have Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, and Peter Worrell out with injuries. Marek Svatos and Riku Hahl have been lost potentially for the season.

When Kariya and Selanne return, the Avs third line will consist of Andrei Nikolishin-Steve Konowalchuk-Dan Hinote, which compares favorably to some of the better 3rd line checking units in the league. Peter Worrell will slide in on the fourth line probably with players such as Cody McCormack, Brad Larsen, or Charlie Stephens. Their fourth line could use a decent centerman, but other than that, they don't have problems that a return to health wouldn't cure.

Let me guess who made the above statement about the Avs....it was probably none other than Pierre McGuire.

Pierre McGuire seems to think the Avs are the worst team in the league.

[avfan#21]

You were listening to McGuire no doubt. What did he say when Cummins scored? I'm curious. That's been his biggest beef with the Avs and one he seems to harp on consistantly. I'm not saying he is wrong

As for income, I'd say whatever Lacroix wanted to spend would be okay with Stanley as long as it pays off. Pierre has wanted to wait and see I believe. I agree that at times of injury the Avs could use more foot soldiers, however, once fully healthy they would have a hard time placing them in the lineup. McCormick maybe a rookie, but most of us would like to see him stick in the lineup at least on a third line with Kono and Nikolishin. Fourth line duties go to Hinote, Hahl and Worrell if the last two could get healthy. Of the four you mentioned Graves or Stumpy would be the two I'd look at, and even Graves would be a questionmark. If I had it my way, we'd be looking to make a deal for Tucker who with Kono and Nikolishin would give you all the character you'd need for a third line if McCormick couldn't cut it on a regular basis.

[andora]

i'd love graves to be honest, at a reduced price i think that would pay off as a good signing..

thomas as well, corson is interesting however it'd be a huge huge risk...

graves is who i'd pick

[Vincent Vega]

Steve Thomas would be a solid addition to the 3rd line.

Thomas - Nikolishin - Konowalchuk

[RoyIsALegend*]

I don't think any number for how much disposable income the Avs have would be accurate. Stan Kroenke has always allowed Pierre Lacroix budget room to make the moves necessary. For instance, we took on about $1.2 M in the Steve Konowalchuk acquisition.

Considering that Lacroix annually brings in a defenseman, the Avs possibly looking for a goaltender come deadline time and maybe a tweaking to the third line... I'd estimate anywhere between $4 - $6 M would be available for PL to work with.

[nikeisevil]

How much do the H(Aves) have?

Probably this: :-)

[Wingboy2999]

I don't know if Oates would fit on a 3rd line. He isn't much of a grinder/3rd line type player.

[AllIsFehrNLoveAndWar]

Originally Posted by Wingboy2999

I don't know if Oates would fit on a 3rd line. He isn't much of a grinder/3rd line type player.

Oates is only good for faceoffs and power plays. Nikolishin is great at faceoffs and the Aves already have too many power play guys to split the time up among. So I agree with you I dont think Oates fits.

Konowalchuk-Nikolishin-Hinote will make a really good checking line just wait till kariya and selanne come back.

[Manunited]

Should the Avs trade away skoula? If so do you think they have enough money to sign Berard and other players down the road?