To me Larsson has a lot of maturity and smarts. The Avalanche love that, they took Duchene at #3 and O'Reilly at #33 knowing exactly what they were getting. Two very mature and very very smart players.
I've seen it as RNH/Larsson 1-2 for quite some time now and I would fully expect the Avs to take the leftover after the Oilers pick.
Avs don't like to draft euros who play in europe. So for me Larsson is out of the question.
They love those Q guy, so SC or Huberdeau is my pick.
I really won't be upset with either Lando or Larsson but I think an interesting factor in this is EJ. From what I've heard EJ's play in St. Louis suffered because Pietrangelo (sp?) took over the reigns as the "go to guy" I think EJ needs to be that for the Avs for him to live up to his potential. I mean sure it would be great to have another potential #1 D but there is only 1 #1 D on a team usually (you could argue that it isn't the case in Nashville) who is insulated by another solid defender.. look at other teams with true #1s
Lidstrom supported by rafalski/kronwall
Pronger supported by timonen/whoever he is paired with
Keith supported by Seabrook
Chara now with Kaberle
i think some guys just need to be the go to guy because they always have been, and when a guy comes in to try and be that both of their games suffer
with Lando, you know he is going to be a great player and contribute whether he puts up points or not.. you also address the need that you gave up in Stewart and with Hejduk retiring soon you are going to need some skilled wingers that are coming up
hopefully with #11 the Avs can grab Siemens at #11 to fill another need of a big tough physical defenseman... with Elliott and Barrie coming up soon as well.. and with Quincey and Liles still around I think that is a solid D to have even without Larsson
just my 2 cents
Not necessarily, when fully healthy the Avalanche have at least passable wing depth, if not above average.Landeskog because their wing depth is embarrassingly weak.
Guaranteed Larsson, when the Avs were healthy they were #1 in the NHL in goals. They added EJ now they add a Larsson and it will make them a really solid team. Just need to get a decent goalie next.
That's just such a frivolous reason to avoid what might be the best player available - he'll intimidate EJ?
So, question to those who have watched both Landeskog and McNeill a lot. What makes Landeskog a better prospect?
I've mostly only seen Landeskog, to be honest, and then just highlight reels of McNeill.
Both options are good for the Avalanche. Gabriel Landeskog seems more like an inmediate need, and it will be logical and comprehensive because Colorado is not on a rebuilding mode. Fills an offensive spot, brings and asset to Stastny and Duchene to play with and he can play NHL right now. The NA-Tendency maybe can work at lower rounds, but when you're dealing with the 2nd Pick, you have to pick the best. Simply as that. Landeskog showed a lot of present and also a lot of potential to work with. Where better than the place that saw the best of Peter Forsberg? I'm pretty sure that this can be a good motivation for Landeskog.
On the other hand, Adam Larsson is a really special kind of player and those doesn't appear on a regular basis. He plays at one of the strongest teams on the Elitserien leading his defense with only 18 years, and is doing the same thing with Sweden U20 team. Colorado struggled to find some consistency at the defensive end this year. If we take that Mueller has to return, others like Galiardi and Yip can do better, and youngsters like Olver or Hishon can do a really good job, Adam Larsson appears as a really good choice. Having a pairing Johnson - Larsson is a ensurance for a long time. And Colorado has plenty of prospects to work with and find the perfect combination. I don't see better replacement after the retirement of Adam Foote.
And don't forget that the Avalanche has also the 11th pick. If they need some offensive help on the wings, that pick could provide a really helpful player. Brandon Saad is the first name that comes to my mind.
It realluy doesn't matter what they do, the Avs need help in just about every category (Goaltending, a 2nd line center, top 4 defenceman, playmakers, powerplay quaterback ) whoever they pick I doubt he'll make any immediate impact
We need a 2nd line center??? seriously? cuz stastny didnt score more points in his worst offensive year than any predator did. And pp qb? maybe but im comfortable with EJ and liles. Liles had 46pts in a year where our team was absolutely terrible. Yea we need goaltending and D help but i wouldnt say we need help everywhere. Injuries killed us and it wont take much to turn us into a playoff contender again.
It realluy doesn't matter what they do, the Avs need help in just about every category (Goaltending, a 2nd line center, top 4 defenceman, playmakers, powerplay quaterback ) whoever they pick I doubt he'll make any immediate impact
Um they are in rebuilding...