Colorado Avalanche: 5 Players Who Could Make Opening Night Roster

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: J.T. Compher
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: J.T. Compher
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colorado avalanche
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 27: Anton Lindholm

Anton Lindholm

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Defenseman Anton Lindholm was the Colorado Avalanche’s fifth-round pick from 2014. After continuing to develop in the Swedish Hockey League, he joined the Avs organization last season.

He was impressive at camp last year, and he eventually made it to the team. He played 12 games starting in the middle of March. He didn’t record any points, but he definitely impressed with his skating.

Excellent skating is a Lindholm specialty. He doesn’t put up a lot of offensive numbers, but he’s a good puck-moving defenseman. And he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, which is good.

I’d say whether Lindholm makes the team depends on the Avalanche’s needs. Right now, they need a partner for both their top d-men and/or a bottom pairing guy.

I wouldn’t partner Lindholm with either Barrie or Johnson, but he could be a bottom pairing guy. I could see the Avs needing a puck mover for that pairing.

And the third player on Sakic’s eyeball list?