Mile High Sticking
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4 goalies to replace Pavel Francouz if he has to miss time

By Sean McKenna

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 12: Pavel Francouz #39 of the Colorado Avalanche tends the net against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at United Center on January 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 12: Pavel Francouz #39 of the Colorado Avalanche tends the net against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at United Center on January 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Craig Anderson is retired but could the Colorado Avalanche convince him to leave retirement?
Apr 13, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson (41) waves to the crowd after a win against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

4 goaltender replacements for Colorado Avalanche: Craig Anderson

Many older Avs fans will remember Anderson from his days playing in the Pepsi Arena about 13 years ago, and this may help the Avalanche out. Anderson, a 6’2”, 190-pound, 42-year-old American is recently retired, having played parts of 21 NHL seasons with several different teams, most recently the Buffalo Sabres.

42-year-old goalies with this much mileage normally wouldn’t be in high demand, but drastic situations call for drastic measures. Being retired and not requiring the entire season of play (hopefully), the Avalanche have an opportunity to offer a minimum type contract to Anderson to coax him out of retirement for a stretch of time until Pavel can recover and be ready to assume the backup job again.

Last year with Buffalo, Anderson had a goals-against average just about 3.0 and had a save percentage just below 91 percent. Those numbers came with a team in Buffalo that is still finding their way, albeit they seem to be heading in the right direction. Anderson has not played more than 34 games in a season since 2018-19 and that would be an early season role that he and the Avalanche could have clearly defined.

If Anderson could replicate those numbers, and be comfortable playing limited minutes (as he has been of late) the Avalanche would be confident in putting him in between the pipes during the beginning of the season. Anderson has far more credibility than Annunen does, and Anderson’s leash would be a lot longer presumably.

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