Eurolanche

The Ghosts of Fan Favorites

Avalanche fans have been treated to hall of fame talent over the year with the likes of Joe Sakic, Patrick Roy and Ray Bourque. Avs fans may not have been seeing that level of talent over the past couple years. Still many talented players have worn the burgundy and white. Of those who wore it and have now moved on who would you Avs fans like to see back?

Chris Stewart

When the emerging young power forward was part of a trade that brought the Avalanche Erik Johnson many fans cried out. A fan favorite after his 28 goal 64 points break out season of 2009-10. Paul Stastny own father hall of famer Peter Stastny when as far too publically criticize the team and call the trade disastrous. Since leaving the Avs for the St. Louis Blues Stewart has had up and downs. In the 26 games played after the trade Stewart managed to get 15 goals and 23 points. Last season thou was a down year for him in 79 games played only 15 goals and 30 points.

John-Michael Liles

John-Michael Liles was set to be Colorado’s next offensive stud on the blue line. Never quite living up to that image with the head office Liles was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for 2^nd round pick. Some fans were happy to see him go after some frustrating years. Others were sad to see such a stable face on the blue line shipped out. Amassing 275 points in seven years with the Avalanche Liles was still productive his best years coming in 2005-06 and 2010-11.  His first year with the Maple Leafs was a career low in points for him at 27.

Tomas Fleischmann

While Fleischmann only played 22 games in an Avs uniform before being knocked out of the season. He made quite the impression on Avalanche fans. Scoring 21 points including 8 goals and 13 assists. As well as helping form one of the hottest lines in the NHL at the time with Matt Duchene. Many Avs fans were disappointed and shocked when the  Colorado Avalanche didn’t resign him after he was given a clean bill of health. Fleischmann proved he was back to a hundred percent this year on the Florida Panthers by hitting career highs in games played, goals, assists and points.

Craig Anderson

Craig Anderson came to the Avalanche as a free agent in the summer of 2009. That year he won the fans hearts over with his stellar play night after night. Holding the team in games they had no reason to be in and stealing win after win. The Avalanche shocked the hockey world by making the playoffs that year. Anderson was once again spectacular for the Avs his best game a 51 save shutout in the series. That Avs would lose to the San Jose Sharks 6 games but not through any fault of Andersons.The next season brought a different Anderson thou. Seemly uncaring and unmotivated some games fans quickly turned on last year’s hero. He was traded to the Ottawa Senators that year and has since had up and down season with Sens.

Honorable mention goes to the following players who also made impact with fans but for various reason didn’t make the top 4. Wojtek Wolski, David Aebischer, Peter Budaj and Peter Mueller. Out of these players who do you as an Avalanche fan want to see back? Or is there someone I have forgotten you would want to see feel free to comment and let me know and let the debates begin.