If there’s a theme for the Colorado Avalanche at this year’s deadline, it’s "Blasts From The Past".
Having brought back Peter Forsberg, the Avs today re-acquired defenseman Adam Foote from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a conditional first round pick in either 2008 or 2009, depending on if the Avs make the playoffs this season. If they make it, it's this year's pick, if not, next year's. Also, the Jackets get another pick if Foote re-signs with Colorado.
The Blue Jackets had hoped to re-sign Foote, who’s an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Foote was keen to re-sign, but it’s believed the two side couldn’t overcome a $1 million gap in the per season salary on a two-year contract.
This move could signal the Jackets are in "sell" mode, as they’re also believed shopping Sergei Fedorov and Michael Peca. Expect them to turn their focus on re-signing defenseman Ron Hainsey to keep him off this summer’s UFA market.
Foote is no longer the dominant physical force he once was during his first go-around with the Avalanche during their glory years of the late 1990s and earlier in this decade, but his experience, skills and leadership should make him a good addition on a Avs teams battling for one of the last playoff berths in the West.
The Avs are looking stronger by the minute. They're two biggest needs coming into the deadline were for a scoring forward (especially to help the Power Play), which should be taken care of by Foppa. And a big, physical defenseman, which is now taken care of by Foote and Salei (for the relatively low cost of 3 picks and Skrastins). With the returns of the 3 S's (Smyth, Stastny, And Sakic), the Avs will be a deep team. And WILL be the darkhorse in the West playoffs.
Great names in Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg, but their best days were a few years ago. Their smart's will get them through the run to the playoffs. Now if they bring back Patrick Roy...LOL
With the additions of Foote and Salei, I think we can expect to see JM Liles headed out of town, possibly to the Rangers? As for the Jackets - odds they move Peca?
Given the style of play by Foote and Salei, that would give Colorado 4 big bruiser d-men. I'm not so sure that Liles gets moved now, but maybe ratheer see Sauer traded. he's played well this year, so should have some value. I wouldn't mind seeing him and a prospect moved for another forward.
Broblog...You are right about Scotty H. He has seemed to regress the past season or two in San Jose. Funny thing, he and Brad Stuart were the young cornerstones of our blueline. Stuart is on his 4th team in 2 years and Hannan is not getting it done in the rockies. It really is a tough game to be sucesful at.
I keep reading everyone saying "there past there prime", "This would have been great 5 years ago", they are has beens", "they are no longer the force" - BAHHH
They just didnt have the same talant around them as they did in Colorado, lets face it, When you have talant like Joe, Peter, Blake, Foote, Deader, Tanguay, Roy, Drury, Vries and others, did they REALLY need to be at the top of there game all the time??? When they left, did they REALLY go to super star teams???
With the new stars they have now, adding these Vetrans will bring back the fight they all had at one time... Look at Selani, he sucked in Colorado, and now look at him.... AND if you think they are all past there prime, tell that to Chelios... I think he is 5 years older than each of these guys.... and still kicking ####$
Yep - I think this is the most lop-sided deal of the day. The guy is 36 and is clearly in the twilight of his career. Coughing up a first rounder is a pretty hefty price to pay, particularly for the Avs who don't exactly have a brilliant farm.
I had a feeling earlier that the Avs were looking for some leadership on the blueline, and I'm happy he has the opp to retire there. I just hope he has some left in the tank and will help lead these guys on one last playoff run for the CUP. It'll fun to watch, but really tough.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
