Colorado Avalanche: 5 Players Who Could Make Opening Night Roster
Andrei Mironov
I’d put defenseman Andrei Mironov in over Lindholm and maybe even over Bigras. Indeed, he’s like a less offense-minded, more offensive version of Zadorov.
It’s not just that the 23-year-old Russian is also big and also, you know, Russian. He’s a hulking presence on the ice that’s surprisingly light on his skates. In fact, I can’t stop raving about his skating:
Mironov is a stay-at-home defenseman with a nasty streak. I wouldn’t mind seeing that as a partner to Tyson Barrie. However, the 6-foot-3 Mironov skates well enough that he could keep up with Erik Johnson’s two-way prowess.
Andrei Mironov gave up a lucrative KHL career to come play in the NHL — and he’s been pretty clear that he intends his play to be in the NHL. He certainly came into camp with that mindset, and I really could see him winning a roster spot already on opening night.
The Prospect Showcase and training camp should be even more interesting than usual for the Colorado Avalanche. The coaching staff and front offices have some big decisions to make about who they want starting the season with the team. Some of the players on this list are almost certain to be on the opening night roster.