Eurolanche

Lake Erie Prospect Update

With all the rumors swirling of the lockout ending sometime in December let’s take a look at some Lake Erie Monster players that could crack the Colorado Avalanche line up. Earlier in the season I predicted some players to shine and be locks for the Avs.  In this article we will take a look at the Studs so far and the players who dropped off the big league radar.

I won’t really get into the stellar play of the Lake Erie goalies Calvin Pickard and Sami Aittokallio who are forcing each other to battle hard for the number one spot. Thou both have now almost played equal games and have very similar stats. Even so if the lockout ends soon it safe to say Semyon Varlamov is the go to guy for Colorado with Jean-Sébastien Giugere backing him up. If the NHL lockout goes on for the rest of the season it could force older players such as Gigu?re to retire. This would open up a spot for one of these two young net minders to crack the squad as backups to Varlamov.

The biggest surprise so far has to be Lake Erie point leader Mike Sgarbossa. Leading the in points with 17 in 19 games played. Sgarbossa is also tied for team lead in goal with Bryan Lerg at 8. His one bleak spot would be his plus minus. Currently sitting a -6 Sgarbossa would have to work harder on his defensive game to earn a long term spot with the big club. But beside that I am willing to bet he would be one of the first called up when the lockout ends.

Another big plus has been the play of 21 year old Andrew Agozzino who sits fifth in team scoring but second in goals after Sgarbossa/Lerg. As well he sports a team leading +9 showing good offensive and defensive skills. The most surprising fact about this young man has to be his contract. Currently only signed to an AHL contract it seems like he destined to spend all year with Lake Erie.  But if he keeps up this play I could see an NHL contract in the future for this young man.

Tyson Barrie has been a huge factor this season for the Monsters. Currently sitting second in scoring for the Monsters, Barrie has 15 points in 19 games.  He has already matched his goal total of 5 goals in 49 games from last year. He looks to have a big year for himself a head. That is if he doesn’t end up on the big club for long stint.

On the other side of the defensive prospect coin is Stefan Elliott. Elliot was supposed to be on the same level as Barrie. Both were expected to push for permanent rosters spots with the Avs this season. Elliott is off to just an awful start on the season. With no points in 16 games played and a minus 7. It is safe to say Elliott is not having the season he wanted so far. If the lockout ends look for him to be pass over for a spot by Barrie.

It is still very early in the season with plenty of time for players to rebound and others to faultier. While there may not be any NHL right now. The Lake Erie Monster players are still just as competitive as if the season was on. Many looking ahead to bright futures and a chance with the big club