Sep 29, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Markus Granlund (60) is checked Colorado Avalanche left wing Andreas Martinsen (27) at Scotiabank Saddledome. Flames won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Roster Competition Through AHL
As mentioned before, the Colorado Avalanche has a good amount of talent in the AHL. Chris Bigras, Duncan Siemens, Zach Redmond, Joey Hishon, Andrew Agozzino, Martinsen, to name just a few. If things aren’t going well in Colorado or if someone gets injured, the AHL guys must be ready to see some NHL action.
Even more importantly, Rampage players must really push the NHL guys. The message must be clear: “you suck, you’re out!” Those players lucky enough to be in Colorado must see that they can easily end up without a roster spot. You may have made the opening night roster, but that’s no guarantee for anything.
It may seem harsh, but players are paid millions to make their team the best it can be. The NHL is a business and those decisions are part of the deal. The not-so-kind words above aren’t meant to bash anyone — they’re supposed to be motivating, if that makes sense. If you are a Borna Rendulic and see Dennis Everberg lighting up the AHL, you should have some good motivation to work even harder than you were before. Push yourself to your limits, be pushed by who’s behind you.
Next: Line Chemistry