Eurolanche

Who the Heck are these guys? (4.)

The off-season has reached its most boring part. It’s the beginning of August and we still have another month to wait before training camp begins. After all the hype and action that happened in late June and early July, it’s time to look back and see who the Avalanche organization added to the fold. If you’re a fan who loves to watch the Avs but has a hard time keeping track of who the team added and just what those players add to the organization then this is the guide for you.

Name: Gustav Olhaver
Acquired via: 191^st overall(7^th Round) in the 2015 NHL Draft
Soonest He’ll be in an Avs Jersey: 2019/20 NHL season

Summary of Player: A massive Swedish center-man who stands at 6’ 6” and the last pick for the Avalanche in the 2015 NHL entry draft. Was also the first pick (and only pick) for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the CHL Import Draft. Mostly plays center but can move to the wing. Plays a powerforward type game and loves going to the net. Lots of development time in front of Olhaver.

2015/16 Expectations: Become a physical force in the WHL. Break out as a prospect on the Seattle Thunderbirds. Adjust to North American hockey.

Quotes by Seattlethunderbirds.com:

“I am a power forward who skates well and plays a physical game combined with making smart plays with the puck. I will go to the net, catch up rebounds and be a threat in the offensive zone as well as I will be reliable in the defensive zone.” 

“I was at home following the draft on TV and hoped to get my name called up. Suddenly it happened and it was a dream coming true. Avalanche has always been one of my favorite teams in the league and I was very happy with them selecting me.”

Name: Francois Beauchemin
Acquired via: Free Agency signed to 3 year deal @ 4.5M per
Soonest He’ll be in an Avs Jersey: Opening night 2015/16 NHL Season

Summary of Player: Beauchemin is a more mobile and a better passing version of our own Jan Hejda. He’s a steady defensive presence on the blueline that can play in the top 4. Last season he led the Ducks in TOI for both regular season and the playoffs. The only similarity between Beauchemin and Brad Stuart are their respective ages. Beauchemin is the better defender in every category compared to Stuart. In fact, Beauchemin has less mileage on his body as he has played 673 games compared to Brad Stuart’s 1,050 NHL games.

2015/16 Expectations: A stable and reliable presence on the blue line allowing Erik Johnson/Tyson Barrie to play his own game. Bring a calm/veteran presence and be a big player in important on-ice situations.

Quotes by Denverpost.com:

"He played top minutes with Anaheim, and that was the biggest thing: we were looking for somebody to play with EJ for top minutes, play against the other team's top line," Sakic said. "We looked at all the free agents out there and there were only a handful that we knew could play. Francois did a tremendous job for Anaheim and I know he's excited to come here and do the same thing here and play with EJ." 

"I'm that defensive-mindset defenseman and like to play that hard, physical game. (Johnson and I) complement each other, reading off each other and making that first breakout pass to make it easier to get out of our zone. That's been my game for 10 years and I'm going to keep doing that."

Name: Blake Comeau
Acquired via: Free Agency signed to 3 year deal @ 2.4M per
Soonest He’ll be in an Avs Jersey: Opening night 2015/16 NHL Season

Summary of Player: Comeau is a 3^rd line winger that can shoot, hit, forecheck and kill penalties. Replacement for Jamie McGinn who went with O’Reilly to Buffalo. Comeau can also do spot duty in the top 6 as his best years have come with playing with John Tavares and Evgeni Malkin.

2015/16 Expectations: Be the trigger man on a line with Grigorenko to start the season, kill penalties and provide a hard hitting forecheck along with ~15 goals.

Quotes by Denver Post.com and Pensburgh.com:

"He's a versatile player. He can go up and down your lineup. He plays a north-south game," Sakic said. "He skates hard. He hits hard. He's a puck possession guy. And he's good on the penalty kill. He can also get you 15 goals."

“Comeau put up solid possession numbers with many of his linemates. That meant that he wasn't dragging anyone down while they were on the ice together. Add to this the fact that he scored 16 goals and 31 points while missing substantial time due to injury and you have the makings of a really good season.” 

A special thanks goes to the media people who watched these players, the scouts who spent all season watching these players along with great fans and all those with great insight ion HFBoards which includes posters TV, TMV, henchman, RS, SEPH, and others who know who they are. 

-- by Geremy McFadden, London, Ontario, Canada --

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