Porter and Wilson have filed for arbitration.  From what I can remember, Dater has mentioned that if you're on the Avalanche, you don't file for arbitration and you will be quickly traded to another team. When was the last time a player filed for arbitration? I suggest that the Avs trade some players for either Purcell or someone on the Rangers (Callahan, Dubinsky (i know he's a center, but he can play wing)

I was at DIA flying home after visiting family and seeing Dispatch at Red Rocks. At the concourse train I ran into Kevin Porter.  I asked him if was going to be re-signed by the Avalanche and he said that he was hopeful that it was going to happen within the next couple of weeks. It was kind of an interesting encounter and he was a little awkward.... but at least we have some light shed on the fact that he will back in an Avalanche unipron next season.

I know everyone is still hyped about our beloved Foppa, but I wanted to comment on Olver. I have been watching the highlights from the AHL games (yes, you can see all the highlights from the games from the AHL website.  I couldn't help, but notice that Olver seems to have some great speed, agility, hands, and wrist shot.  I'm actually surprised that he wasn't called up, instead of Stoa. If you watch the most recent games highlights (Rochester v. LE), Olver has an awesome goal at the very end of the game to win it.  What do people think about Olver being called up instead of someone like Stoa?

Now, nobody get their panties all in a bundle like last time I posted something similar to this. I only did it for discussion and not "spam." No, I don't have "insider access" either.  I only look at this randomly to see what's going on. ESPN says that Avs are ready to spend money... .So what do you think is going to happen? Discuss.

Avs poised to spend money

The Avs will spend big money soon.

Now that the season is over, what do you think the new roster will look like for next year and the new ratings for Avs players if you edit them yourself? How would you rate the incoming rookies and what do you think the LE roster will look like?

My Roster (the 4th line is the hardest to decide on)

Avalanche

Forwards:

Galiardi - Stastny - Stewart

Mueller - Duchene - Hejduk

Jones - O'Reilly - Yip

McLeod/Stoa/Winnik - Porter/Stoa/Winnik - Winnik/Stoa/Porter/McLeod

Defense: Quincey - Hannan

               Cumiskey - Foote

               Liles - Wilson

Lake Erie:

Forwards: Z. Cohen - Olver - Van Der Gulik

                 Mauldin - Carman - Dupuis 

                Mercier - Walter  - Reed 

                Fritsche - Talbot - ?

Defense: Cohen - Shattenkirk

               Holos - Liffiton 

               Chouinard - Gaunce

The Avs are being very picky about their deals.

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I bet this is because of the CBA and the Avs don't want deals that are over 2 years. I bet the deals right now that are being discussed are not because of financial disagreements, but a deal that would be 3 years or more. I hope someone doesn't try to sign either Stewart or Mueller to an offer sheet.... especially Mueller.

ames Neal, a young & big (6'2 & 210 lbs) left wing  is currently an RFA with the Dallas Stars.  This past season, he had 55 points (27g/28a).  His agent is saying that he is determined to become a better and stronger hockey player and has hired Gary Roberts, the same trainer that Steven Stamkos had last summer, to add more strength in his game. Here is the compensation list for this season up to the Salary that I think Neal could grab: 

The compensation list for this season is (compensation is on the average hit of a contract):

*$1,020,348 or below: No compensation.
*$1,020,348 to $1,545,981: A third-round draft choice.
*$1,545,981 to $3,091,963: A second round draft choice.
*$3,091,963 to $4,637,944: A first-round choice and a third-rounder.
*$4,637,944 to $6,183,925: A first- a second- and a third-rounder.

If the Avs offer a little over $3 million, than they only give up a 2nd rounder, which Neal was drafted in the 2nd round in 2005.  As a need for the LW position and the Avs most likely not going after Kovalchuk or Bobby Ryan (because of a higher salary most likely), than Neal is a viable choice if the Stars don't offer a matching offer sheet.

What do you think?

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=525280&navid=DL|NHL|home

The simulation on NHL10 ended up having the Avs knock out the Sharks in 6 games.  However.... they end up getting swept by the Blackhawks and the blackhawks go on to win the cup, beating the Pens.

VAN - CHI West conf final?

PIT- WAS  East conf final?

What do you think?

I think that the Avs can beat the sharks in a hard fought playoff series, but if they were to play the Hawks I don't think the Avs would get swept. They would at least win one, I think.