The Colorado Avalanche have at least three options to fill the void left by Nazem Kadri’s departure.
The Colorado Avalanche start training camp on Thursday. One of the major storylines is about who will replace Nazem Kadri at the Center position on the second line.
There are several names to consider. I previously mentioned Alex Newhook as a possibility. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar also included Newhook in his list of three players he is considering for the position. The other two are newcomer Evan Rodrigues and first-liner right wing Mikko Rantanen.
I asked #Avs Bednar about the competition for the 2C position. He says Rodrigues will get a look, Newhook will get a "good, hard look" and "we have Mikko as well."
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) September 21, 2022
The thing that could potentially pose as an issue early on if the team chooses Rantanen is that they will have to fill the first-line right wing position.
Currently on CapFriendly.com, Rodrigues is listed as the second-line center, with Rantanen and Arturri Lehkonen on the left and right respectfully.
The Avalanche kickoff training camp over the next three days with the following schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 22
Training Camp at Family Sports Center
Group 1 on ice – 8:45-10:15 a.m. (player media availability to follow)
Group 2 on ice – 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (player media availability to follow)
Friday, Sept. 23
Training Camp at Family Sports Center
Group 1 on ice – 8:45-10:15 a.m. (player media availability to follow)
Group 2 on ice – 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (player media availability to follow)
Jared Bednar available following the second session
Saturday, Sept. 24
Training Camp at Family Sports Center
Group 1 on ice – 8:45-10:15 a.m. (player media availability to follow)
Group 2 on ice – 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. (player media availability to follow).
Colorado Avalanche can figure out second-line center during preseason.
The Avalanche will play two preseason games on September 25th. First, they square off against the Minnesota Wild at 2PM Mountain Time. Then, they will play the Vegas Golden Knights 7pm Mountain Time.
The rosters for each group don’t appear to be announced as of right now, so it will just be a wait and see thing as far as what they decide to do. I am sure they have some sort of an idea of their plans early on but obviously things can change.
It is likely the team has a plan in place right now but are keeping it a secret right now. It is also possible that a player they don’t quite expect to step up does step up and take the lead on the depth chart.
I don’t think that holding off on making a decision will make or break the second line. It should not take a long time, and no matter how long it takes, the Avalanche will be alright.