The question is: Do the Avs run it back with the three-defenseman PP2 lineup? They’re not afraid to experiment on special teams, so I’m sure you’ll see a few different looks early in the season. That leaves you with a design of Makar-MacKinnon-Rantanen-Johansen-Lehkonen as the top unit, and Nichushkin plus two elite defensemen on the second unit. That makes me think Nichushkin gets bumped to the second unit, seeing as he supplies the same style of physicality down low (but more effectively than Johansen). With all the offseason changes and new faces, who do you think will play on the first and second power plays next season? Barring a change of heart, I can’t see another Av wearing the “C” even temporarily as long as Landeskog is in Denver. Calgary was another example each of the last two seasons after losing their previous captain in an expansion draft. There’s usually at least one NHL team with a captain vacancy any given season.
So just as there’s a certain symbolism associated with wearing the captain’s patch, there’s an equal significance to nobody wearing it. A knee cartilage transplant is a rare surgery for a pro athlete with a grueling rehab process, as we reported this spring. The way the Avs see it, keeping the “C” exclusive to Landeskog isn’t a knock on anybody else’s ability to lead it’s their way of expressing belief in his ability to return to the role eventually.
When Landeskog and the team decided in early April that he would miss the 2023 playoffs, general manager Chris MacFarland was steadfast in saying nobody else would assume the title during Landeskog’s absence. With Gabe Landeskog out next season, are the Avalanche going to name a new captain? It seems like a no-brainer to elevate Nathan MacKinnon and give Cale Makar that “A” on his sweater. Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag. Digital Replica Edition Home Page Close Menuĭenver Post sports writer Bennett Durando opens up the Avs Mailbag periodically throughout the offseason.
0 kommentar(er)
