If Siemens leaves what does San Antonio look like for next season?
I'm assuming Zadorov and Bigras are in the NHL. Since Gormley was waived I think the organization is ready to move on from him. Noreau never got his chance in the NHL I think he heads back to Europe.
? - Clark
Geertsen - Wood
? - ?
Corbett
I would be a little shocked if the Avs did not re-sign Redmond (he is a perfect 7th/AHL D man) so 50-50 if he sticks with the big club or plays in the AHL.
Also 50-50 if both Bigras AND Zadorov make the NHL full time...though decent odds one gets traded for another NHL D man if they don't plan to keep them both on the NHL club.
I would put money on them signing, claiming, or trading for another Guenin/Holden/Gormley/Bodnarchuk/Redmond type mid twenties career AHLer they might like the potential of. So again 50-50 if they stick in the NHL or start the year in the AHL.
Good odds the Avs take a chance on a vet on a one or two year contract as insurance for Zadorov and Bigras. This would be a fringe NHLer, so that player might get demoted to the AHL if both do in fact make the NHL roster.
Outside long shot of Guenin signing either an AHL contract directly with the Rampage...or less likely signing a one year deal with the Avs. (it could happen if the Avs/Rampage decide they need a one year place holder for a year as the next round of prospects graduate to pro hockey, as the next wave is a year away from turning pro really if you look at the top end of the list, the vet you know is an easy choice if other options do not materialize)
Hopefully the Avs look at college UFAs to also try to stock out the pool a bit, something I think they have neglected to be players in over the last few years. Casey Nelson from Minnesota State is the biggest target and would seemingly be a great fit to play either on the Avs 3rd pair next year or in the AHL. There are a handful of other college UFAs that deserve a look for the AHL roster as well. Basically free prospects with no risk.
I think Noreau sticks it out one more year, so I expect him to either be in the AHL or in the NHL as a 6/7 guy. (which means Redmond gets bumped to the AHL) Noreau or Redmond is the 7th D man next year, occasionally cycling into the lineup with Zadorov and Bigras as they transition to the NHL.
(speaking of college UFAs, Drake Caggiula from UND should be someone the Avs aggressively target, he is going to be a star in the NHL and could really help the Avs out on the wing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooxFlig4A2I