Colorado Avalanche: 6 Potential Call-Ups/Demotions

Sep 29, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman (6) battles for the puck with Colorado Avalanche right wing Borna Rendulic (71) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Flames won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Avalanche Demotion: Borna Rendulic

At the end of preseason, the battle for the final two roster spots was Borna Rendulic vs. Dennis Everberg vs. Jack Skille vs. Curtis Glencross. Skille outplayed Glencross and Dennis Everberg is still recovering from his shoulder injury. Therefore, the final roster spots went to Skille and Rendulic. After the first two games, however, Rendulic is already starting to fall out of favor.

Simply put, the Avalanche’s third line (Rantanen-Soderberg-Rendulic) sucks. Both against Minnesota and Dallas, they spent 90 percent of their limited ice time in the defensive zone. Nothing wanted to work on offense, nothing really worked on defense. According to war-on-ice.com, Rendulic had a Corsi differential of -8 against Dallas — third worst among Avalanche players.

For Wednesday’s game against the Boston Bruins, I am hoping that Roy will scratch Rendulic and add Mikhail Grigorenko to the lineup instead. From there, a demotion for Rendulic wouldn’t be unlikely. He has only appeared in 13 NHL games, recording a goal and an assist — not the best numbers for a forward on a third scoring line.

Next: Mikko Rantanen