It's late June, so you know what that means...hockey!
As it turns out, this week there was a big Avs trade, the draft and the schedule released. This is basically a way for me to keep track of everything.
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Roster Additions
C Carl Soderberg (acquired FA)
D Nikita Zadorov (trade)
C Mikhail Grigorenko (trade)
C prospect J.T. Compher (trade)
F Mikko Rantanen (drafted 10th overall)
(31st overall pick tbd - via trade. Edit: traded to get 39th pick plus 2016 second rounder)
LW AJ Greer (drafted 39th overall)
D Nicolas Meloche (drafted 40th overall)
Fun fact: Carl Soderberg is legally blind in one eye due a to a high-sticking accident a few years ago. He played all 82 games for the Bruins last year. One tweet described him as a third-line center. Someone else said he has trouble playing wing because of the eye situation.
Look at those four players via trade, what a haul! How did that happen...
Roster Departures
C Ryan O'Reilly
F Jamie McGinn
O'Reilly is a great player, in my opinion easily the best player in the addition or departure column. But has been in contract disputes for years. Now that drama is behind the team.
2015-2016 Schedule
Just like last year, the Avs first opponent will be their most recent playoff rival, the Minnesota Wild. The Avs have them at home on opening night and hope to do better than they did last year, starting 0-2 on the season with both games against the Wild.
November is dominated by a 7-game road trip that could have a big impact on the season.
The Champs come to Denver for the first time on New Year's Eve for an 8pm game. So Kane, Toews, etc will be watching the ball drop in Colorado.
Long-time rival Red Wings only play once in Denver but it won't be at the Pepsi Center. On Saturday February 27, the Avs will host Detroit at an outdoor game in Coors Field on national TV (NBC.)
7 of their last 8 games are against Western Conference playoff contenders: Wild, Predators, Blues, Blues, Predators, Stars, Ducks. Enough games to make or break a playoff run.
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