If the Avs had traded Toews they’d be in really big trouble right now.
If the Avs had traded Toews they’d be in really big trouble right now.
I've been very clear for a long while now that I don't believe either of Byram [injury concerns] or Girard [not good enough] would return the 2C the Avs need. Only Toews was going to do that.
But shoulda, woulda, coulda at this point. The Avs made their bed and if you're aware of history in the slightest you can see where this ship is going.
Can you imagine for just a minute that Sakic pulled a top pair defenseman for two 2nds, won a cup with him, then flipped him right before he turned 30 when his value is sky high for a longer term 2C while letting the kid you drafted 4th OA take his spot next to the best defenseman in the NHL? 4D chess move of the century and extends their contention window and balances their cap allotment even if the first year or two becomes more difficult. Instead we'll get to watch Toews age off into the sunset with the Avs cup contention window for the sake of getting one more shot this year.
The made the wrong decision IMO. Time will tell if I was right.
I respect your opinion, I just disagree with it. Toews is a top pair defenseman right now, probably a #1 on many teams, and still has a few good years left in him. I believe a good handful of teams would have ponied up big time for him to try to win now. Meanwhile, Byram, with his many uncertainties, is probably more valuable to the Avs than he is around the league.
Then consider the Avs needs and cap space issues. They're not going to win without a real 2C, history has proven that over and over again. You simply cannot afford an extended Toews AND a real 2C with 29/96/8 making as much as they do. Sacrifices have to made somewhere. cMac decided to sacrifice at the 2C position for some reason.
Let me put it this way. I believe the Avs are better now and especially long term with Byram next to Makar and a real 2C behind MacKinnon, than they are with Toews next to Makar and no 2C behind MacKinnon because RyJo and Colton are both 3Cs.
They're basically pulling a redo of last year hoping for different results.
If Toews was gone, it means they have a real 2C and the forward group is significantly better. The hit they take on defense is balanced out by them having proper center depth for the first time since Kadri.
And Toews hasn't exactly been great this year. Jack Johnson has been outplaying him a surprising number of games this season so far. Obviously that won't continue, but for where they stand right now I don't think they'd be in a worse spot.
Side note, Jack Johnson has been low key great for the Avs this year. Good for old guy.
Basically everyone agrees Toews contract is good.Bo has been off lately. With Bo’s play and Girard’s issues lately, that Toews contract looks even better.
Avalanche must have known Girard's issues for a long time. So probably never considered letting go Toews.If the Avs had traded Toews they’d be in really big trouble right now.
No he doesn't. He's f***ing 22.Got to be honest Byram needs to go.
I’m just glad we have a new twist on this meme.No he doesn't. He's f***ing 22.
I’m of the mind that they really didn’t want to deal Toews unless contract talks completely fell apart.Avalanche must have known Girard's issues for a long time. So probably never considered letting go Toews.
Avs chose Toews over Bo.
That's fine, then put him in the minors or bench him. Because that's about the level he's playing at.No he doesn't. He's f***ing 22.
Yeah I don't see many options. UFA rentals tend to get dealt for picks and prospects like 99% of the time.What 2C would we have traded Toews for? Just wondering.
Byram doesn't NEED to go, he's likely to get out of his funk and start playing like a good 4 decent 3 again.
However he absolutely should be available for the right trade. If a team has a younger 2C available and need a D and believe in Bo, you pull that trigger.
Avs chose Toews over Bo.
Well, no, he isn't playing at a minor league level lol.That's fine, then put him in the minors or bench him. Because that's about the level he's playing at.
He needs a wakeup call because his play right now sucks. Getting constantly outplayed by Caleb Jones isn't it.
Time is a flat circle and Big B is only 22!I’m just glad we have a new twist on this meme.
To be fair, even in Bo's struggles right now he's still playing like a Top 4 guy. But I think that's perhaps part of the issue.
Well, no, he isn't playing at a minor league level lol.
Byram was fine last night UNTIL the gaffe in overtime. That's the problem with Byram. His mistakes are being exacerbated because of the magnitude of them. He's either taking really bad, lazy penalties or getting beat by guys due to falling asleep on the ice.
However, there's a reason he's the only other defensemen above 20 minutes every night. He, Makar, and Toews are Bednar's three most trusted defensemen.
To be fair, I legitimately agree with a lot of your points. I would love to re-purpose the Avs salary from D to 2C. In an ideal world, Bo becomes the quality #2 to play along side Makar, and Toews is moved for an ideal 2C.I respect your opinion, I just disagree with it. Toews is a top pair defenseman right now, probably a #1 on many teams, and still has a few good years left in him. I believe a good handful of teams would have ponied up big time for him to try to win now. Meanwhile, Byram, with his many uncertainties, is probably more valuable to the Avs than he is around the league.
Then consider the Avs needs and cap space issues. They're not going to win without a real 2C, history has proven that over and over again. You simply cannot afford an extended Toews AND a real 2C with 29/96/8 making as much as they do. Sacrifices have to made somewhere. cMac decided to sacrifice at the 2C position for some reason.
Let me put it this way. I believe the Avs are better now and especially long term with Byram next to Makar and a real 2C behind MacKinnon, than they are with Toews next to Makar and no 2C behind MacKinnon because RyJo and Colton are both 3Cs.
They're basically pulling a redo of last year hoping for different results.
We're one of those teams looking to win now.I respect your opinion, I just disagree with it. Toews is a top pair defenseman right now, probably a #1 on many teams, and still has a few good years left in him. I believe a good handful of teams would have ponied up big time for him to try to win now. Meanwhile, Byram, with his many uncertainties, is probably more valuable to the Avs than he is around the league.
Just curious...how many points do you expect from a 2nd pairing dman with no PP time?For those who think Byram is playing fine with occasional lapses, then I'll ask did you project 6 pts in 22 games and pacing out around 25pts for the year?