Colorado Avalanche: 5 Reasons For Optimism

 4. #VarlyVarly

Mar 8, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie

(1) looks for the puck in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Colorado Avalanche beat the Minnesota Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Semyon Varlamov has a Vezina Trophy worthy season in him during the duration of his contract. In fact, he probably had one in 2013-14 when he led the Avalanche to 112 points and the Central Division crown.

If the Avalanche can shore up their defense in the next year or two, Varly’s already impressive numbers are going to get downright silly.

They say you need a stud goaltender to win a Cup, and many teams are always searching to find one. The Avalanche are lucky to already have one in the fold, and I expect big things from the Russian goalie. If the Avalanche’s talented goal-scorers get hot at the same time as Varlamov — Watch out!

The Avalanche may have a few missing pieces, but in my mind, they already have the most important piece in place. And that’s as good a reason for optimism as any.