NHL Waiver Options for the Colorado Avalanche

Today has been a busy day for the waiver wire, with teams putting players on waiver and others snapping them up. The Edmonton Oilers claimed winger Matt Fraser from the Boston Bruins and placed forward Steve Pinizzotto on the wire. The Buffalo Sabres have placed Matt Hackett on waivers, the St. Louis Blues Magnus Paajarvi and the Anaheim Ducks Dany Heatley. Nashville’s Derek Roy cleared waivers.

Thus far the Colorado Avalanche have not been involved in any waivering. With rookie goalie sensation Calvin Pickard down in Lake Erie, it’s unlikely their one waiver bait, Reto Berra, has anything to fear. Considering they’re only running on seven defensemen and 11 forwards, they don’t have any room to place anyone else on the waiver wire.

That doesn’t mean they couldn’t pick someone up.

No telling what GM Joe Sakic is doing this moment, but here’s what’s available on the waiver wire at the moment.

Dany Heatley

Upside
Heatley is a one-time 50 goal scorer. He’s a big, tough forward who doesn’t mind getting into the corners. At 33, he’s not too long in the tooth, even by Avalanche standards.
Downside
Heatley has only played six games this season, thanks to a groin injury that eventually needed surgery. He also didn’t score as expected for the Ducks, causing them to demote and eventually scratch him. He’s known for having a great shot but not great skating legs, which isn’t improved by his age.
Avalanche Prospect
The last thing the Avalanche need is another underperforming scorer. He sounds like a washed up Alex Tanguay — and the Avs already have the premium, still-youthful version. It’s also doubtful he could keep up with the Avs’ speed. He’s cheap — only $1 million in cap hit — but the Avs are kissing the salary ceiling. It’s doubtful Sakic or head coach Patrick Roy, who has final say in personnel decisions, would give Heately more than a fleeting thought.

Magnus Paajarvi

Upside
Paajarvi is a big winger who’s powerful on his skates. He’s got decent passing and scoring ability. He’s known as being a two-way winger who shoots well at high speed. He’s also still young, just 23.
Downside
Paajarvi hasn’t been consistent in his scoring. In only 10 games of play, he’s earned just a single assist. His best year was his rookie year in the NHL, when he earned 34 points in 80 games.
Avalanche Prospect
Sakic and Roy might be giving Paajarvi a look, even though they’d have to make roster adjustments to fit him in. His speed and shooting skill are the big draws as they fit perfectly with Colorado Avalanche hockey. Working with the right coaching staff on a speedy, offensive team might be the right ticket for Paajarvi. He could also spark the Avalanche offense, though it’s doubtful he’d crack top-six.

Steve Pinizzotto

Upside
He’s got decent size. He’s physical and hard-working. He’s the kind of guy you expect to bang in a goal every now and again.
Downside
He’ll only bang in a goal every now and again. He’s not a high end skill guy. The most points he’s ever gotten in a season is four.
Avalanche Prospect
It’s highly unlikely Sakic or Roy even game Pinizzotto a second thought. They’ve got plenty of role players, and better ones at that.

Matt Hackett

Upside
The young goalie is big and fluid. He’s got great athleticism with excellent footwork. He’s got a classic butterfly with excellent lateral movement.
Downside:
He’s been recovering from a leg injury, and he’s spent the majority of his career at the AHL level.
Avalanche Prospect
Not surprisingly, the Colorado Avalanche are stacked with good goalies. They’ve got their clear #1 in Semyon Varlamov and two talented goalies, Pickard and Berra, battling it out for #2. The last thing the Avalanche need is another goalie in the mix.

NHL players remain on the waiver list for 24 hours before being moved on to the AHL affiliate team. During that 24 hours, other teams can claim those players free of charge. If the Avalanche are interested in any of the above players — and really only Paarjarvi seems likely — Sakic would need to be talking to his agent already.

If Paarjarvi does join the Avs, it would be a relatively seamless transition as the Avalanche are in St. Louis as we speak, preparing for tonight’s game.