EA SPORTS NHL 16: Colorado Avalanche Player Ratings
EA SPORTS NHL 16 Colorado Avalanche defensemen
Nov 4, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) during the game against the Vancouver Canucks at Pepsi Center. The Canucks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Erik Johnson: 88 (NHL 15: 86)
We had a little bit of a debate going, about Erik Johnson being a “true No. 1” defenseman. Whatever he is, he was an NHL all-star this past season, while being one of two Avs D-men that played on NHL level. He deserves a little raise from his 86.
Francois Beauchemin: 83 (NHL 15: 83)
Last season, Francois Beauchemin and Hampus Lindholm were both rated 83 by EA SPORTS, before Beauchemin took the No. 1 role for the Ducks. However, he is aging, and probably isn’t better than an 83 anymore. Johnson and Beauchemin are a very good pair nonetheless.
Tyson Barrie: 85 (NHL 15: 85)
In last year’s game, I actually found Barrie to be a little bit overrated, especially considering the fact that Johnson was an 86. In EA SPORTS NHL 16, however, Barrie should deserve that rating. If he improves on his defensive play, he may even get closer to Johnson again.
Nikita Zadorov: 80 (NHL 15: 80)
Let’s all hope that Zadorov plays like an 80. He is one of the players I found to be overrated in last year’s game, though. Then he emerged as one of the best defensemen on a crappy Sabres team, especially when he was paired with Rasmus Ristolainen.
Nick Holden: 78 (NHL 15: 81)
I recently wrote an article about Holden being underrated, and how he could surprise many. But 81? Ha! That would even surprise me.
Brad Stuart: 76 (NHL 15: 82)
As you can see, we have entered EA’s joke department. Well, we actually can’t blame them. The Avs were so convinced that he’s a good addition — they gave him a huge contract that pays $3.6 million a year. To add to that fun, he also got a no-trade clause. Total brain fart by Joe Sakic (sorry, Joe).
Nate Guenin: 73 (NHL 15: 75)
Nate Guenin’s 75 rating is already ridiculously low for NHL 15. But let’s take it down another step. EA SPORTS NHL 16 shouldn’t have him rated higher than 73. Down you go, they might appreciate you in San Antonio. Oh, I feel so bad for talking about a player like that. Sorry.
Duncan Siemens: 73 (NHL 15: 71)
I am still not sure about Siemens, but he did take a step forward since last year. We’ll have to see how well he does over more than one game in the NHL, before we rate him higher than Guenin, though.
Chris Bigras: 75 (NHL 15: 66)
If Stuart is an 82, how does Bigras get to 66? Oh right, Stuart is at the end of a highly successful NHL career, while Bigras hasn’t even started his. Anyway, Bigras seems ready to join the Avs in the NHL very soon. If the experiment goes right, his rating can only shoot farther up.
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