Colorado Avalanche Jared Bednar made his feelings known regarding depth defenseman Ilya Solovyov.
As you may recall, Solovyov was a waiver claim by the Avalanche earlier this season. The 25-year-old Russian D-man found himself on the outs in Calgary. The Flames cut him from their camp in hopes of sending Solovyov back to the AHL.
But there was no way he was getting through. Despite interest from various clubs, it was the Avalanche who landed the former seventh-round pick.
Initially, the plan was for Solovyov was to become a depth defenseman. He displaced Keaton Middleton, earning the seventh defenseman role.
But then, an injury opened the door for Solovyov to take on a more prominent role with the Avalanche. Solovyov got the nod, hitting the lineup on the third pairing. All of a sudden, the 6’3” 209-pound D-man got his chance.
He got into the lineup for the first time against the Dallas Stars on October 11, and has not looked back.
Solovyov has earned coach Bednar’s confidence, seeing increased ice time. That confidence has prompted Bedar to declare:
“I like him a lot. You know what his sort of identity and MO is coming in. I think he's gotten better. I thought Columbus he was outstanding, and last night, he was pretty good again. He’s a big, physical guy that can move the puck efficiently. He's a smart player. He seems to be doing a nice job with and without the puck. I like the edge he brings... the size he brings."
The comments, as quoted by Corey Masisak in an October 20 piece in The Denver Post, highlight just how much Bednar has been impressed by Solovyov’s play thus far.
Bednar added:
"It’s a credit to him and what he’s done since he’s been here in the short time playing games. He’s got a pretty good skill set. He’s got decent hands and vision and hockey sense. We want him to sort of expand. It’s not just about surviving in the league or being here. It’s about making a positive contribution on a nightly basis.
Bednar followed up his comments by underscoring the following:
"I think there's room for growth, but he's done a nice job since he's come in, and I feel pretty comfortable with him back there already."
The Avalanche could face a pickle when Samuel Girard comes back. Girard will likely push Solovyov out of the lineup. But then again, the Avalanche might see things as “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.”
That situation could mean the Avs keep rolling with Solovyov as long as he continues to provide the punch and solid defensive play the team needs.
At the very least, Solovyov’s strong showing thus far takes the pressure off Girard from coming back before he’s fully healthy.