| Avalanche GM responds to rumors, talks league changes | |
|---|---|
| Topic Started: Mar 4 2012, 08:47 PM (46 Views) | |
| Kragok | Mar 4 2012, 08:47 PM Post #1 |
Administrator
|
GM kragok sat down with long time hockey commentator and former NHL D-man Brain Engblom for a interview on the Avalanche and the plans for the KHL. BE: Colorado has kept the same core group of Selanne, Staal, Alfredsson, Campbell, Hedman, and before today Lundqvist, for the duration of the season. Still, the Avalanche have had more trades by far than any other team this year. After todays move with Nashville, have any of the previously mentioned players become moveable in your mind? Kragok: It is unlikely I will move Selanne, Staal, or Hedman. Alfredsson and Campbell have played well and deserve to stay, so it would take a heck of an offer for either of them. Lundqvist I gave a chance for the better part of two seasons and his play just didn't justify his contract. We talked about a week ago and said Nashville was likely the best fit, but he would consider other teams as well. BE: Colorado has been a fringe team for the last two seasons. Are you laying the blame on Lundqvist? Kragok: It was undeniable that he should have played better if he were playing to his potential. Granted at two different stretches, Colorado had very weak defense. But there were also times, such as before Visnovsky was moved earlier this season, that defense was a strength on the team and Lundqvist still posted inconsistent numbers. BE: In moving Lundqvist it seems you have plenty of depth of defense now, and the potential for two very good PP units. Do you plan on breaking up the Hedman - Campbell pairing in favor of one of Fowler of Enstrom? Kragok: If one moves up it will likely be Enstrom, but I'm going to put Enstrom and Fowler together to start with.  BE: I see you have elected not to use the goalie you got from Nashville, Corey Crawford. At least not yet. Is there a particular reason for this? Kragok: I may turn to Crawford eventually, the #1 position is up for grabs. However I have Crawford signed for two years whereas Neuvirth needs a new contract this summer and I want to see what he can do. I also would not have traded Lundqvist if I did not have confidence in Brayden Holtby, and I want Holtby to get in a few games before seasons end as well. BE: We don't have a date for the trade deadline yet, it is rumored to be very late in the season this time. With so many teams so close to the playoffs and the avs still only a few points out despite dropping under .500 recently, do you think the avs will be sellers or buyers when the deadline does roll around? Kragok:I really can't be sure at this point. I have a prospect system that is well stocked...I believe I have every position filled if somebody wants to sim a exhibition sometime. But I don't see any need to trade for more prospects. If I am selling it will be for roster players, and will depend heavily on the players in question. BE: Finally it's been rumored via the chatbox that we might be switching to a new game format next season. As commisioner can you give us any details on the plans for the KHL next season? Kragok: We will be attempting to move to a Eastside Hockey manager league next season. It may require an expansion draft as we will hopefully have teams from the BDL and possibly the HF boards. It remains to be decided wether we will restart rosters or have a waiver/expansion draft. But the move to EHM will make the simulations, stats, prospects, and schedule easier to manage and the sim engine is also available to everyone for free. Alot remains to be decided, but I want to finish this season first before we begin making any changes. Edited by Kragok, Mar 4 2012, 08:52 PM.
|
 |
 
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| « Previous Topic · The Denver Post · Next Topic » |
4:45 AM May 21