Colorado Avalanche Odds - Avalanche looking for new leadership, identity
The Colorado Avalanche odds took a hit when Joe Sakic announced his retirement but realistically, the Avalanche odds weren’t great to begin with. The Avs - who finished dead last in the Western Conference last year - are clearly rebuilding, and online betting sharps should be aware that they are still in the process of tearing down before rebuilding.
Colorado Avalanche Odds: Avalanche trying to find next generation’s foundation
- Avs need to find new leadership, foundation after the retirement of Sakic
- Veterans like Hannan, Hejduk may get shipped off at the trade deadline
- Avs destined for another last place finish
Colorado Avalanche odds maker breakdown: OFFENSE
For years, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg and Milan Hedjuk were among the team’s best players, leading the Avalanche to playoff appearances and Stanley Cups. But now, Sakic has retired, Forsberg is on his way and Hedjuk could be trade bait this year. That leaves some cute pieces on offense, such as Marek Svatos, Paul Stastny and Wojtek Wolski, but the general consensus is that those guys ate off of what Sakic and Forsberg fed them. They may not be as effective now. All eyes will be on Matt Duchene, the third pick overall in the 2009 Entry Draft. A lot of people are wondering whether he’ll make the opening day lineup and how well he can play if he does.
Colorado Avalanche odds maker breakdown: DEFENSE
Hard to believe that the Avalanche defense may be a bit further ahead of their offense at this point, but that could ring true this year. The Avs have some good pieces on the blue line, including John-Michael Liles, Scott Hannan and Adam Foote, who may end up being the new team captain. This isn’t a headlining unit and they won’t be able to shutdown the best opponents in the league, but this isn’t the team weakness.
Colorado Avalanche odds maker breakdown: GOALTENDING
Goaltending is a major weakness for the Avalanche. By default, holdover Peter Budaj should be the starter, but he is unspectacular. Craig Anderson was brought in via free agency to compete for the starting job but he’s never amounted to anything other than a journeyman backup. Lastly, Tyler Weiman, who is a career minor-leaguer, will vie for some time. Needless to say, this trio won’t be leading anyone to a Stanley Cup anytime soon.
Colorado Avalanche odds maker breakdown: SPECIAL TEAMS
NHL betting handicappers know that it can’t be spelled out much easier for the Avs special teams. They don’t have the snipers on offense to be dominant on the power play and they don’t have the goaltending to shut teams down defensively. It will be an uphill battle to improve the special teams departments.
Colorado Avalanche odds maker breakdown: SEASON OUTLOOK
The outlook is bleak in Colorado nowadays. They are still stripping down the old parts and they are still trying to find the foundation of the future. Finding that foundation will be on their to-do list this year and that may mean that veterans like Milan Hedjuk, Scott Hannan and Adam Foote may get dumped at the trade deadline. The Avs looked doomed for another last-place finish in the West.
For more sports betting articles and previews of all 30 NHL teams, check back with the BetOnline.com Betting Edge daily. Don Melrose is BetOnline.com's hockey expert.
