GDT: Preseason game 4: Stars @ Avs - October 1, 2023

[UnkleKraker]

You know what is good for the locker-room?

Charlie Shee...I mean winning. Winning is good for the locker-room. Fill it with the people who give you the best chance.

That is why you keep a guy like Cogs around as long as he can play.

 

[AvsGuy]

I think Tufte has to make the team, he has all the tools and is flashing them well

It's his ability to use his size offensively and to drive to the net, the only risk to playing him on the 4th line is that you have to wonder if 1st line AHL time would unlock that top 6 potential - he's looked that good

 

[Richard88]

I think Tufte has to make the team, he has all the tools and is flashing them well

It's his ability to use his size offensively and to drive to the net, the only risk to playing him on the 4th line is that you have to wonder if 1st line AHL time would unlock that top 6 potential - he's looked that good

Also wonder if he'd get claimed if put on waivers this week...

 

[JLo217]

What's his backstory? Is he just a 1 time wonder at camp living on a dream?

Is he just a really good fit in CO and things are clicking?

 

[S E P H]

What's his backstory? Is he just a 1 time wonder at camp living on a dream?

Is he just a really good fit in CO and things are clicking?

Tufte? If so, it takes longer for power forward-esque players to develop because it can take multiple years to eventually grow into your body and become comfortable with it. Plus, add in the fact that on top of that, he was always drafted as a long-term project. Granted none of Avs drafted players have turned into anything amazing, but every team tends to lose one or two lads which becomes something since their drafted team gives up on them and needs an extra year or two to figure out/adjust their role (happens to every team in the NHL though).

On top of that, there is definitely some "I have to perform" fire lit under players' arses when they get traded or move to another club. When you get drafted, especially as a first rounder there tends to be a comfortable side that enters you knowing that you are a property of a team for at least the next three to five years and maybe even longer. When a team gets rid of you, it could awaken that internal drive that got him drafted in the first place, knowing that you can't take advantage of the situation anymore. That's exactly what happened to Nuke IMHO, he thought he could take advantage of being part of an NHL team and it made him soft inside. When Sakic signed him, he knew this was his last chance to make it or break it in the NHL and that pressure told him he had to take it seriously to the point he works out after almost every game. With all that written, we ain't expecting Tufte to turn into a 20-goal scorer, we all have projected on the bottom two lines and for a reason.

 

[Freaky Styley]

MacDermid would definitely get claimed if put on waivers. There are always GM's wanting to beef up their lineup.

even better

 

[Balthazar]

Yea not gonna replace MacD on that front

 

[henchman21]

Tufte was a high risk, high reward bet on talent back in the day. Just has never put it together. He isn’t likely too here either, but he’s not a run of the mill scrub either.

 

[The Abusement Park]

Tufte was a high risk, high reward bet on talent back in the day. Just has never put it together. He isn’t likely too here either, but he’s not a run of the mill scrub either.

Could there be like a 3rd line Nuke type development here? Not expecting a Nuke type guy, but like a ~30pt power forward type?

 

[Gumballhead]

Have we ever had a real big guy who could be actually useful? Seems like we’ve had a lot of giants but mostly stiffs and I definitely can’t remember anyone like Tufte on the Avs. Big Z is the only one that comes to mind but my memory ain’t what it used to be. I think Tufte finds a home in Colorado, hopefully Denver.

 

[Avsboy]

What's his backstory? Is he just a 1 time wonder at camp living on a dream?

Is he just a really good fit in CO and things are clicking?

Does he like the Colorado River?

 

[lionsDen]

I think if Tufte proves he can hang that changes the Avs mind. Not sure if he drops the mitts but he's fits the role of big physical presence. They've clearly soured on him a bit, moving him to F. No one will claim him so they can still waive him in Colorado/close contact with the big club and first injury call-up

Teams will claim him every team needs a face puncher

Tufte? If so, it takes longer for power forward-esque players to develop because it can take multiple years to eventually grow into your body and become comfortable with it. Plus, add in the fact that on top of that, he was always drafted as a long-term project. Granted none of Avs drafted players have turned into anything amazing, but every team tends to lose one or two lads which becomes something since their drafted team gives up on them and needs an extra year or two to figure out/adjust their role (happens to every team in the NHL though).

On top of that, there is definitely some "I have to perform" fire lit under players' arses when they get traded or move to another club. When you get drafted, especially as a first rounder there tends to be a comfortable side that enters you knowing that you are a property of a team for at least the next three to five years and maybe even longer. When a team gets rid of you, it could awaken that internal drive that got him drafted in the first place, knowing that you can't take advantage of the situation anymore. That's exactly what happened to Nuke IMHO, he thought he could take advantage of being part of an NHL team and it made him soft inside. When Sakic signed him, he knew this was his last chance to make it or break it in the NHL and that pressure told him he had to take it seriously to the point he works out after almost every game. With all that written, we ain't expecting Tufte to turn into a 20-goal scorer, we all have projected on the bottom two lines and for a reason.

Good points, bed at has remarked that they liked him and thought he had showed a ton of potential dating back to last year

 

[lionsDen]

Tufte was a high risk, high reward bet on talent back in the day. Just has never put it together. He isn’t likely too here either, but he’s not a run of the mill scrub either.

What makes you think he won’t here. He’s been clearly noticeable, albeit against what is mostly AHLers

He passes my eye test and the little advanced metrics I’ve seen seem to back that up.

What am I not seeing

 

[AvsMakar08]

I think Tufte has to make the team, he has all the tools and is flashing them well

It's his ability to use his size offensively and to drive to the net, the only risk to playing him on the 4th line is that you have to wonder if 1st line AHL time would unlock that top 6 potential - he's looked that good

Yeah, Tufte kind of reminds of of Tage Thompson before he broke out a few years ago. Big, strong and has skill. Maybe not as talented but he is certainly impressing in the pre season so far.

 

[GirardSpinorama]

Yeah, Tufte kind of reminds of of Tage Thompson before he broke out a few years ago. Big, strong and has skill. Maybe not as talented but he is certainly impressing in the pre season so far.

I havent seen his dangles or hockey sense like tage Thompson. But his shot with that height is underrated. Good speed too.

 

[lionsDen]

Sorry I couldn’t resist

 

[Foppa2118]

You know what is good for the locker-room?

Charlie Shee...

When asked if they agree, an unnamed source on the Avalanche responded by saying, "Hell da!"

 

[Muffin]

Tufte was a high risk, high reward bet on talent back in the day. Just has never put it together. He isn’t likely too here either, but he’s not a run of the mill scrub either.

Funny the pick after him was Tage Thompson which turned out but still not for the team who drafted him.

 

[sethro109]

Sorry I couldn’t resist

 

[lionsDen]

That’s right, and damn em for making me post country songs!

 

[henchman21]

What makes you think he won’t here. He’s been clearly noticeable, albeit against what is mostly AHLers

He passes my eye test and the little advanced metrics I’ve seen seem to back that up.

What am I not seeing

He's older and hasn't shown signs of it really coming together prior. Last season was his best AHL year and he was just an okay middle 6 player at that level. It is pretty unusual to have a jump at 25 from that level to say a 3rd line guy. As a guy who transforms into a 4th liner, not real uncommon.

 

[henchman21]

Funny the pick after him was Tage Thompson which turned out but still not for the team who drafted him.

I recall the hate that Thompson got in that ROR trade too... It took him WAY too long to get going, but back in his draft year and after, you could clearly see his talent. He's a real rarity though. Most guys have shown who they are 23/24... not break out to arguably a top 10 player in the league.

 

[Balthazar]

I recall the hate that Thompson got in that ROR trade

It's OK to tag @Pokecheque

 

[dahrougem2]

I feel for Tufte if he doesn't make this club. He's done everything asked of him and Bednar has praised him, he's scoring goals in preseason, going hard to the net.

If he gets sent down to the AHL he might lose a lot of confidence he seems to have gained here.

Given Pavel seems like Bednar's preferred 4C and he is hurt, I don't see why they can't start out with a 4th line of Tufte - Cogliano - O'Connor.

 

[Balthazar]

I don't see why they can't start out with a 4th line of Tufte - Cogliano - O'Connor.

Let me help you: Cogs is no longer a center and there's no center on that line.