Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers responds to questions in the Avs Mailbag every other week during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.
With the slow and inconsistent start, what do you think is going to bring the boys together to start bringing in more wins?
— Michael, Littleton
Just patience, and think you’re seeing that. Depth scoring is coming into play and that was the big piece missing in the first six games.
Hey Mike, the closed division format has me and a lot of other fans excited, I don’t think we’ll see anything like this again for a long time. I hear that the West is being written off as one of the less-stacked groups, and I was wondering exactly how much of a “piece of cake” you expect it to be. I know the Avs struggled against Los Angeles and Anaheim teams last year that look to be rebuilding in the right direction. Any interesting takes on the West Division or any changes you expect to how the Avs will tackle games? Thanks a lot!
— Case, Lakewood
Colorado, Vegas and St. Louis are certainly strong and I’d say the West Division is pretty deep with exciting young teams. Minnesota is decent and although Anaheim, Arizona, L.A. and San Jose are rebuilding, they each have top veteran talent with interesting young guys. Did you see Team USA win the gold medal at the World Junior Championship last month? Many of the best players on that team are Anaheim and L.A. prospects. But, for sure, the Avs, Knights and Blues are certainly the best and they each want to get that No. 1 playoff seed to avoid playing the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the first round.
I have read the WHL may not play this season and that Bo Byram is not eligible to play for the Colorado Eagles, so the only options for him are with the Avalanche or their taxi squad. Please explain. Thank you
— Steve Sertich, Centennial
Good question. This is what I know: Byram played his seventh game Sunday, kicking in the first year of his entry-level contract. And he is not eligible to return to his junior team (Vancouver Giants) and not eligible to play in the minor leagues (Colorado Eagles, Utah Grizzlies). The Avs have committed to having him play in the NHL the entire season, but whether or not he’s allowed to be placed on the taxi squad (which is new this year), I’m not sure. Seems like nobody is sure about that.
What is going on with the NHL’s outdoor games this year? Love watching the outdoor games, even though the event at Air Force Academy was a huge mess.
— Ryan, Colorado Springs
Outdoor games are fun to watch on TV, but not really a fun way to watch a hockey game, eh? And, yes, the AFA game was indeed a mess. I think the upcoming game against Vegas in Lake Tahoe will be a good one, because 99% of the folks watching will be doing so on TV.
What is Andre Burkovsky’s injury to his upper body? I know he is out tonight but will he be back for the weekend.
— Red, London, Ontario
Burakovsky is fine. Sorry, I got to this a tad late and I’m catching up. But as you saw against Minnesota, he’s back and looks good.
Do you think Erik Johnson would waive his no-movement clause in order to allow the Avs to protect an additional defenseman? The likelihood of losing EJ to Seattle is very slim, considering we would have a few quality forwards (or goaltender) available.
— Graeme, Vancouver
Yes, I think it’s likely. EJ is a team-guy, a do-anything guy to help the organization. And if he waives his no-trade clause, the Avs can protect all three of their defensemen in Cale Makar, Sam Girard and Devon Toews.
I don’t like how all players now have their helmets on their sticks during interviews to display the Ball logo ala NASCAR advertising this year. Such a bad look. Is the helmet logo here to stay? Also, why so much hate on the new color of the breezers? Feel like the blue is a sweet look.
— JB, Englewood
The helmet advertisements are a COVID thing, helping to generate revenue without fans in the stands. With full arenas, I expect the ads will go away in time. As for the new blue on the breezers, helmet and gloves, you’re just replacing what was black. I think folks will get used to that change.
Just wondering since there’s still a stalemate between KSE and 2/3 of the cable providers, and no fans allowed at the games, which I’m sure is a major blow to the Kroenke profit margin, how long before the Kroenkes pull a St. Louis Rams and move them out of the city? We the fans are suffering because we still can’t watch our home team as you know and it doesn’t seem we’ll get to see games anytime soon unless they are in NBC.
If he did it to St. Louis, what’s to say he won’t do the same to the loyal fans here in Colorado?
— Marc, Boulder
That’s a scary thought, eh? But Comcast is available in 40 states plus D.C. so KSE would have the same problem in most NHL and NBA markets. This entire saga is just sad because as the billionaires balk at each other, the fans lose. Personally, if I own a franchise and choose to have my own regional sports network cover the team, it’s 100% my responsibility to make sure that happens.
Colorado is a just steamrolling teams right now. The offense is clicking and it’s fun to watch. Other than our struggles between the pipes, where can this team improve in the coming weeks?
— Terry, LoDo
The pipes. The backup goalie.
Hi Mike, wanted to see what the Avalanche are doing with season-ticket holders this season. Any chance we get to watch live hockey this spring at Ball Arena? Thanks.
— Caitlin, Denver
Certainly, there is a chance. But I have heard nothing about a timeframe as to when the building will allow any fans in for games.
Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers responds to questions in the Avs Mailbag every other week during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.