The Colorado Avalanche seemingly made an inconsequential roster decision last week, activating goalie Trent Miner off IR, and then placing him on waivers. The move intended to fulfill a legal requirement necessary to reassign Miner to the Eagles.
But that move nearly cost the Avalanche.
According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Avalanche could have picked a better time to make the move happen. Miner’s placement on waivers coincided with the New York Rangers disastrous Igor Shesterkin situation. And with the Rangers looking for depth, there was a possibility that Miner could have headed to the Eastern Conference.
Friedman explained the situation in the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, highlighting how the Rangers ultimately passed on the move.
“I kind of wondered if they (Rangers) would take Trent Miner on waivers from Colorado… They put (Miner) on waivers on Saturday, but he’s been injured all year, too.”
And the fact that Miner has been hurt is the main reason why New York ultimately chose to pass on Miner.
Still, the situation didn’t necessarily rule out the possibility that the Rangers could see the value in claiming someone like Miner.
“Someone said to me, ‘it’s just like Miner’s a talented guy who could fill in for the month that Korpisalo was hurt.’ But, he’s just, he hasn’t played.”
That was the main reason for Miner being on the Rangers’ radar. Their other goalie, Joonas Korpisalo, hit the shelf before Shesterkin did. And so, New York could have used the depth behind rookie goalie Dylan Garand.
But it seems that Miner’s early-season injury spared him from leaving Colorado.
Miner should still play key role in Avalanche’s plans
There is no question that Trent Miner should play a key role in the Avalanche’s plans moving forward.
The sudden struggles involving MacKenzie Blackwood have raised concerns about the Avalanche’s goaltending situation. The questions should only heighten, as Scott Wedgewood is on a one-year deal.
As such, there could be an opening in the crease next season. But depending on how things go, there could be TWO openings in 2027-28.
Could that mean that the Avalanche might roll with a tandem featuring Miner and Ilya Nabokov?
If Blackwood doesn’t become the lockdown guy that the Avalanche needs, scrutiny could suddenly shoot through the roof.
Moreover, there’s no telling how much longer fans will put up with efforts like the one we saw against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
That’s why Miner is still very much in the Avalanche’s plans. Perhaps the organization might not want to admit it just yet. But the possibility of a Wedgewood-Miner tandem might not be as far-fetched as some might think.
Add us as a preferred source on Google