2014-2015 Avalanche Preview: Beware the MacK Attack

After a dreadful 29th-place finish in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, the Avalanche exploded out of the gate in 2013-14, winning 14 of their first 16 games. Rallying behind their new head coach -- former Stanley Cup-winning netminder and Hall of Famer Patrick Roy -- the upstart Avs rode standout performances from young stars Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly, Gabriel Landeskog and Calder Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon (to name a few) all the way to the Central Division crown. Particularly impressive were the 18-year-old MacKinnon and his 63 points, as well as Vezina-nominated goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who led the league with 41 wins and finished third among qualifiers with a .927 save percentage. Colorado also benefited from a return to 60-point form by veteran pivot Paul Stastny, who later departed for division rival St. Louis in the offseason.

Looking ahead, the no-longer underrated Avs will most certainly have a target on their back in the ultra-competitive Central Division that features the likes of St. Louis, Chicago, and Minnesota, all of whom had beefed up their already-deep forward ranks in the offseason. The brass in the Mile High City are hoping that the signing of aging veteran forward Jarome Iginla will offset the loss of Stastny, and that Daniel Briere -- who was acquired in trade during the offseason for P.A. Parenteau -- can regain his scoring touch in a secondary role behind the team's big guns.

Despite last year's success, there are some concerns heading into 2014-15, like the threat of fatigue potentially negatively impacting Varlamov's game, as Colorado's lack of confidence in backup Reto Berra likely indicates no decrease in workload for Varly, who faced more shots (2,013) than any other goalie last season. Also, word coming into training camp is that budding superstar MacKinnon is beefier, stronger and more explosive than last season -- traits that will come in handy when he's undoubtedly be checked harder and more aggressively by the opposition's top defenders each and every night now that he's established himself as an elite scoring threat.

Expect the Avs to be a force again in the West but don't forget the impact Stastny had on the chemistry of their young offense. Stars like O'Reilly, Landeskog and Duchene could very well take some time to adjust without the crafty playmaker, but should return to form as long as MacKinnon adapts to assuming a more prominent role at center (his natural position), after spending much of his rookie season on the wing. Iginla, who is rejoining his old Calgary Flames pal Alex Tanguay in Denver, should create a significant amount of offense as well -- both on the power play and at even strength while firing pucks on net and providing a big-boy presence in all three zones. On the back end, look for Tyson Barrie to continue his emergence as a top offensive defenseman and power-play quarterback beside the more stay-at-home Erik Johnson. Jan Hejda and Nick Holden figure to chip in occasionally to round out the Avs' top-four defensemen.

The Big Guns

Matt Duchene, C (RotoWire Position Rank*: #18): After the lockout-shortened campaign saw Duchene rack up 43 points in 47 games, the Canadian Olympian further solidified himself as a true point-per-game threat in 2013-14 with a career-high 70 points in 71 games. The 23-year-old stud center also recorded career-bests in assists (47), plus/minus (plus-8), game-winning goals (six) and shots on goal (217), all while facing the opposition's best defenders. The man they call "Dutchy" is in a near-perfect situation in Denver. He may be the Avs' best player and arguably the face of the franchise, but he's surrounded by a cast of several other stars in Ryan O'Reilly, Nathan MacKinnon, captain Gabe Landeskog and the newly-acquired Jarome Iginla, who all can take the pressure off of him. There's a good chance he'll get to play with one or both of the big-bodied Landeskog and Iginla with regularity this season, and those two should create even more room for Duchene to dipsy-doodle around defenders and create havoc with his blazing speed. Furthermore, his 71 points tied him for 16th overall in league scoring last season, but if all goes well -- especially with the addition of Iginla as a linemate both at even strength and on the power play -- Duchene is a prime candidate to crack the top-10 in scoring while flirting with 80 points.

*RotoWire Position Ranks reflected for points-based leagues*

Gabriel Landeskog, LW (RotoWire Position Rank: #1): Landeskog supplied 26 goals and 39 assists to the scoring machine that was the Avalanche last season, joining Matt Duchene, rookie sensation Nathan MacKinnon, Ryan O'Reilly and the departed Paul Stastny in the 20-plus goal club. The Swedish captain also fired his fair share of rubber on net, posting a shot total of 222 that was second on the team only to MacKinnon's 241. At just 22, it's hard to believe that the 2011 second overall pick has just two full NHL seasons under his belt, especially since he was an excellent fantasy contributor across every category last year (plus-21, 71 PIM, five power-play goals to go with his 65 points) after a very disappointing 17-point performance in the 36-game lockout-shortened campaign one year prior. Look for Landy to play a prominent role again in 2014-15, but be aware that he spent the majority of his time alongside center Paul Stastny last year, so there could be an adjustment period as the Avs work him in with a new pivot (likely MacKinnon or Duchene), along with the newly-acquired Jarome Iginla on the opposite wing.

Tyson Barrie, D (RotoWire Position Rank: #10): Barrie emerged as a significant source of offense from the back end for the young Avalanche last season, as his 38 points in 64 games were just one behind Erik Johnson -- who played in 16 more contests -- for tops among Colorado rearguards. The British Columbia native skated to a very efficient plus-17 rating and also flashed his prowess in clutch situations on several occasions, finishing third among league defensemen with five game-winning goals -- three of which were in OT. That made him the co-leader in that category, joining top-flight snipers James Neal and Alex Ovechkin. In terms of special teams, the 2009 64th-overall draft pick quietly led the upstart Avs in average power-play ice time, spending 2:47 per game on the man advantage. Unfortunately, Barrie's postseason was cut short when he sprained his MCL in Game 3 of the Avs' first-round matchup against Minnesota, after taking a knee-on-knee hit from Matt Cooke. However, with a full summer to recover, Barrie is expected to enter training camp in September fully healthy and ready to build upon the success of last season.

Semyon Varlamov, G (RotoWire Position Rank: #2): Playing in his sixth NHL season, Varlamov broke out in a big way in 2013-14, leading all NHL goalies in wins (41), saves (1867) and shots faced (2,013) while breaking Colorado's franchise record and finishing third in the league with a .927 save percentage. For these accomplishments, the Russian workhorse was named a finalist alongside Boston's Tuukka Rask and Tampa Bay's Ben Bishop for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's top goaltender. It's also important to note that Varly battled through off-ice adversity starting in November, as he was brought up on domestic violence charges and accused of assault and kidnapping his girlfriend before the charges were dropped in late December. He actually spent a night in jail, but coach Patrick Roy and the Avs stood beside him and he barely missed a beat, earning a win in Dallas just two days after his arrest. Come February, Varly had backstopped the young underdog Avs to the Central Division lead, posting a 27-9-5 record with a 2.47 GAA and .924 save percentage that earned him a new five-year, $29.5 million deal -- effectively locking him in as the top dog between the pipes in Denver for the next half decade. Varlamov is sure to be one of the top goalies taken in fantasy drafts this season, but one potential concern is the Avs' lack of a proven backup. Reto Berra, who was acquired and immediately signed to a three-year deal in March, has only 31 NHL games under his belt. The threat of fatigue or an injury impacting Varly's game is something potential owners should be mindful of, if the unproven Berra falters in providing rest for the top netminder. However, the reward is worth the risk with a stud like this behind a high-flying Avs squad ripe with star talent at forward and on an ever-improving blue line.

On the Rise

Nathan MacKinnon, C (RotoWire Position Rank: #3): The "Other Kid from Cole Harbour" dazzled in 2013-14, breaking camp with the Avs as an 18-year-old and leading all rookies in goals (24), assists (39), points (63), power-play goals (eight), game-winning goals (five) and shots-on-goal (241). It comes as no surprise, then, that he took home the Calder Trophy by a landslide over Tampa Bay's Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson. MacKinnon also skated to a terrific plus-20 rating, which is particularly impressive considering he often lined up against the opposition's top defenders in the ultra-competitive Central Division. In addition to the exclamation mark that was the Calder Trophy on an already special season, MacK broke Wayne Gretzky's record for the longest consecutive point streak by an 18-year-old with a 13-game, 18-point run in February and March. A natural center, the 2013 No. 1 overall pick spent much of the season on the wing, but that could change come October. Veteran star center Paul Stastny (who racked up 60 points of his own last year) signed a four-year deal with the Blues, leaving a void at the pivot for someone like MacKinnon or Ryan O'Reilly to move back to the middle. With that being said, there's no doubt MacKinnon will have a permanent home in Colorado's top-six, but where and with whom he'll line up with remains unclear, especially with power forward Jarome Iginla entering the mix. Nonetheless, with a strong supporting cast around him, there's no reason to believe MacKinnon will succumb to the dreaded sophomore slump. Flirting with 70 points is a definite possibility for the teenager.

Ryan O'Reilly, LW (RotoWire Position Rank: #24): The steal of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft (33rd overall), O'Reilly exploded for career highs in nearly every offensive category in 2013-14, including goals (28, a team high), power-play goals (nine), game-winning goals (six), shots on goal (201) and shooting percentage (13.9). One of the game's premier two-way forwards, O'Reilly also led the league in takeaways with 83, which is somewhat surprising since he skated to a mediocre minus-1. With one of the more explosive top-six forward corps in hockey, the 23-year-old will almost certainly spend more time on the wing again this season -- away from his natural position at center -- to likely line up alongside either of the team's superstars, Matt Duchene or Nathan MacKinnon. However, the exact configuration of the team's top-two lines isn't yet clear, especially with the loss of veteran playmaking center Paul Stastny to the Blues in free agency, and the addition of Jarome Iginla on the wing. Most importantly, make sure you're mindful of the gentlemanly O'Reilly's lack of value in the PIM department, as the 2014 Lady Byng Trophy winner only spent two minutes in the sin bin, which came on a freak "broken stick" minor 71 games into the season when he unknowingly played the puck with an illegal twig. The Clinton, Ontario native should again land near the 64 points he tallied last season, as long as the absence of Stastny doesn't impact his game too much and he can stay healthy in 2014-15.

Three to Watch

Jarome Iginla, RW (RotoWire Position Rank: #15): After posting a lackluster 14 goals and a disastrous playoff with Pittsburgh in the lockout-shortened season, the 37-year-old Iginla proved doubters wrong in 2013-14, providing the 12th 30-goal campaign of his career as part of a 61-point, plus-34 showing with the Bruins. Iginla parlayed this success into a shiny new three-year, $16 million deal with the Avalanche in the offseason. Though he is leaving what many would consider an enviable situation in Boston beside Milan Lucic and all-world playmaker David Krejci, Iggy enters a very talented forward group in Colorado, where he should slide in nicely beside one of the team's star centers. The winger will also reunite with his old pal Alex Tanguay, a former Flames teammate, who spent the better part of five successful seasons alongside Iginla in Cow Town. Everything considered, expect Iginla to fire a ton of shots on goal, crack at least 50 points and provide a big-body presence in Colorado's top-six and on the power play, while bringing his usual leadership and competitive fire to the Avs. But just remember -- he is a well-known slow starter, so don't panic at season's start. He'll heat up.

Alex Tanguay, LW (RotoWire Position Rank: #68): Making his return to the team he starred for in the early 2000s, Tanguay had an injury-riddled campaign in 2013-14 with the Avalanche. Various ailments with his hip and, more seriously, his knee, limited him to just 16 contests that saw him tally a respectable four goals and seven assists. The 2001 Stanley Cup-clinching goal scorer will be entering his age-35 season on a young and extremely talented Avalanche squad, with a decent chance to crack the top-six with the departures of Paul Stastny and P.A. Parenteau. Couple that with the fact that Tanguay is reuniting with the newly-acquired Jarome Iginla -- a player that he was partially responsible for luring to Colorado as a free agent this summer after their success together for nearly five seasons in Calgary -- and Tanguay could be in low-risk, high-reward territory in 2014-15. Also, as of the start of training camp in September, Coach Patrick Roy has indicated that he will be plunking Tanguay at right wing on the top line beside star sophomore Nathan MacKinnon to start the season, a role that would spike Tanguay's value if he's able to stay healthy and find chemistry there.

Erik Johnson, D (RotoWire Position Rank: #48): After a disastrous lockout-shortened season for Johnson -- and the Avs in general -- that resulted in just four assists in 31 games, "EJ" bounced back to post career-bests in assists (30) and plus/minus (plus-5) while tying his best marks in points (39) and shooting percentage (5.7 percent) in 2013-14. Johnson's game is about more than points, however, as the 6-foot-4 blueliner led Colorado in ice time, averaging 23 minutes per night while frequenting both special teams units. As the Avs set out to defend their Central Division crown this year, Johnson will be counted on yet again to anchor the back end as the team's No. 1 defenseman and offer guidance to a blue line that features rising star Tyson Barrie. Despite largely failing to live up to his lofty first overall draft status from 2006, Johnson took major strides in 2013-14 and should be good for another 40 points or so on an offensively-gifted Avs team brimming with young firepower.

Don't Overrate

Daniel Briere, RW (RotoWire Position Rank: #54): A homecoming in his native province of Quebec proved to be a bust in 2013-14 for the 36-year-old Briere, as he totaled just 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 69 games with the Canadiens. Constantly a target of criticism -- due mostly to his rapidly declining offensive numbers and absurd $6.5 million cap hit -- Briere will get another opportunity for a fresh start after being dealt in the offseason to the Avalanche for P.A. Parenteau and a fifth-round pick. Unfortunately, it will be tough for Briere to crack the Avs' highly-potent top-six forward group that features stud youngsters such as Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon, Ryan O'Reilly and Gabriel Landeskog. But he should be able to provide some veteran leadership and the occasional flash of offense on the team's third or fourth line and second power-play unit. Also, his 116 points in 124 career playoff games likely were a topic of discussion for the Avs brass, as their team is built for a competitive postseason run that would (hopefully) feature Briere as an X-factor.

John Mitchell, C (RotoWire Position Rank: #85): Mitchell had a fine second season in the Mile High City, netting career-highs in points (32), plus/minus (plus-13), shots on goal (107) and PIM (36), all while assuming a steady role as the Avs' third-line center. Even so, Mitchell won't sniff Colorado's top-six unless there's an injury, nor will he see time on the power-play with any regularity. But he does the little things expected of a solid third-liner -- like killing penalties -- really well. All told, the seventh-year pivot should have a firm grasp on Colorado's third-line center spot yet again, with an outside shot at reaching the 40-point plateau, depending on the performances of linemates like Alex Tanguay, Jamie McGinn and/or the newly-acquired veteran winger, Daniel Briere.

Top Prospects

Conner Bleackley, C (RotoWire Prospects Rank: NR): The Avalanche selected Bleackley as their first-round pick (23rd overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. A lifelong Avs fan, the 18-year-old Alberta native is known as a gritty two-way center with a knack for the net, as evidenced by his 29 goals and 39 assists last season while captaining the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Bleackley has stated that he models his game after Avs star and league-leader in takeaways, Ryan O'Reilly, and -- according to scouts -- prides himself on being responsible in all three zones of the ice. He offers a nice balance of skill, speed and size, all of which he uses to his advantage. While not yet considered NHL-ready, the general consensus is that Bleackley is a safe bet to eventually crack the Colorado lineup, with another year or two of junior experience in his best interests from a maturity standpoint. With the Avs already loaded with proven young marquee talent at center, there's no immediate need to rush Bleackley to The Show. Furthermore, if Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic can find a way to retain O'Reilly after his new two-year deal expires, the boys in burgundy and blue could very well be welcoming Bleackley to the deepest core of centermen in the entire league.

Joey Hishon, C (RotoWire Prospects Rank: NR): Hishon missed most of two seasons due to concussion issues, but he actually saw ice in 2013-14 and finished with 24 points in 50 games at AHL Lake Erie. But even in what was a relatively healthy season, Hishon still missed training camp because of a groin injury, and it's starting to look like he'll spend his entire career with a first-aid kit strapped to him. Hishon's NHL dream came true in the postseason when he pulled on the Avs' jersey for the first time and skated in three games against Minnesota. There, we got to see the vision, creativity and hands that made him a first-round pick (2010). This season, Hishon has an outside shot at claiming the the fourth-line center job for the Avs, but he'll need to prove he can stay healthy. Avoid him until he establishes himself in the league and moves up the depth chart.