Avalanche taking right approach with training camp groups

The Colorado Avalanche have gotten their training camp underway. At this point, it may seem like more of a formality, an intermediate step in getting the team ready for the upcoming season.

But when looking at the way the initial groups were divided, something interesting jumps off the page.

The Avalanche have taken strides to incorporate younger players with veterans. That’s crucial when considering how much prospects can learn from superstars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

But beyond MacKinnon and Makar, hanging around other star veterans like Nazem Kadri, Brock Nelson, Devon Toews, and Brent Burns is a learning experience that very few young players get to have.

And it’s part of the way the organization can help transform not quite high-end prospects into solid NHLers.

Let’s dig into that a little longer. The Avalanche, by virtue of being a contender, doesn’t have a wealth of first-round prospects to bubble up the pipeline. Therefore, the organization needs to nurture talented players that may not have been precisely high-end prospects at one time.

Think about it. How good could a talented prospect like TJ Hughes become by learning from MacKinnon and Nelson? While neither vet is going to transfer his consciousness into Hughes, becoming familiar with their work ethic, seeing their instincts in action, and getting valuable advice can transform a skilled prospect like Hughes into a top-six NHL center.

Avalanche need to nurture the prospects it has

When teams don’t have very many top-tier prospects, the best way it can build a robust pipeline is to nurture the talent they have.

Yes, there’s a vital element in scouting. The organization can target talent where other teams may have overlooked it.

But once that talent is in the system, the best thing the organization can do is nurture it as best as possible. And that begins with experiences such as training camps.

All you have to do is look at rebuilding teams. Clubs building from the ground up look for solid vets to surround their younger prospects coming up through the system. The Chicago Blackhawks did that with Nick Foligno. The club signed the veteran forward and made him captain as a means of helping Connor Bedard become the team’s leader.

Of course, the Avalanche are not rebuilding. But the ethos is all the same. The organization wants to build future leaders who can step in and take over.

That’s very important, as some veterans will age out. Nelson will become a UFA in his age-36 season. And while he’s hardly washed up, you have to think that the club might want someone younger to gradually take over.

Kadri is 35 this season, and might take a step back in the lineup sooner rather than later.

Brent Burns might only be around for this season. Josh Manson will also be a UFA at age 36 next season.

Those are just examples of lineup spots that could open up at one point or another. And the Avalanche will need to find suitable fill-ins for them.

Yes, the club could just go out there and sign free agents. But bear in mind that there is a cap limit. And it’s that limit that’s driving the need to foment in-house talent.

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