Well, I think it’s safe to say that the Colorado Avalanche are looking at any and all options (on a budget) to improve their forward depth.
Are these good options to get a contract? We’ll find out in a few weeks.
On Friday, it emerged that the Avalanche brought 6’4″ forward Saku Maenalanen to camp on a PTO. The 29-year-old winger has played 64 games for Winnipeg Jets last season, only got 10 points. In 5 playoff games, he got one assist.
#GoAvsGo signed UFA forward Saku Maenalanen on a professional trial.
Maenalanen played for Winnipeg last season.https://t.co/E2iKhf7X9G
– CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) September 8, 2023
One thing Maenalanen has experienced, like his compatriot and PTO receiver Joel Kiviranta, is that he kills penalties. He averaged 1:24 a game on the penalty kill with the Jets last year. Judging by his metrics below, he is very good at that role.
Another reason we can imagine him coming to camp is physical. The Avalanche are looking to add more sandpaper, and he picked up 113 hits last year. He will immediately become the biggest player in the low maintenance if he can get a job there.
Whether it’s Maenalanen, Kiviranta, or Peter Holland, the Avalanche don’t seem content with their depth up front, and competition is never a bad thing. With every PTO announced, I like the possibility of a young player getting a spot in the bottom six and below. It’s not impossible, as these three have yet to actually get a contract, but at this point, I’d bet on at least one of them getting a deal.
Stay tuned to CHN for more news as camp approaches.