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Colorado Avalanche: 5 Players Must Step Up in Johnson’s Absence

By Nadia Archuleta

Nov 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) controls the puck in the third period against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) controls the puck in the third period against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Lance Bouma (17) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Eric Gelinas (44) fight for position during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Gelinas

Eric Gelinas hasn’t been given the chance he deserves. Like Nikita Zadorov, Gelinas is a big, young player with exciting prospects. He hasn’t found his groove yet with the team because he’s been scratched more often than not — and he was even put on waivers. This is a real mishandling of resources.

Well, with Johnson out and the vet (and Columbus Blue Jackets buy out) Fedor Tyutin hamped by recurring injuries, Eric Gelinas has his chance.

Gelinas has both size and strength. He’s a great skater, so all that combined helps him muscle through the scrum on the ice. He’s similar to Erik Johnson that way and in his style of play in general. What’s more, I daresay his shot from the point is even more booming than EJ’s.

Eric Gelinas needs to fight harder than ever for his roster spot. He should be the hardest working player on and off the ice. The Colorado Avalanche have had problems with effort and caring. Gelinas must show that he has that in spades.

As I observed in a previous post, he has more long-term potential than Tyutin. If Gelly can prove his value to the team, he might be guaranteed a roster spot even when Johnson returns.

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