E.L. wrote:
Has Nic Meloche worked his way back into prospect conversation? Always liked that kid.
You're not the only one. Had a strong season with the Eagles and stands to make the team out of camp next season. He had an up-and-down season in Loveland but I believe he's a top pairing guy for them now. He's a big, defensively-minded guy with a heavy shot and is right-handed, I just feel like (and maybe it's just because he's also Quebecois) that he's destined to be Sam Girard's defensive partner going forward.
The question will be if there is an opening to be had. Nemeth hits UFA this summer and he's likely gone (he better be), Zadorov had a pretty contentious contract negotiation two years ago and I doubt he'll play at a discount, so it comes down to what the Avs want to pay for a talented, big, physical defenseman with some serious consistency issues. Then there's Ryan Graves, who's a great bottom pairing guy with a big shot. Barberio is signed for next season but I don't think he's on the roster next season, either gets waived or traded.
The only guys we know for sure will be back next season are Barrie, Johnson, Girard, Cole, and Makar. And of course Barrie is entering the final year of his contract and trade talk is already at a fevered pitch. Personally, I think they should be looking to deal Erik Johnson. He just looks like he's beginning to show the signs of what could be a very serious decline. He's almost 30 and has suffered quite a few injuries so it shouldn't be surprising. But he has the ol' NTC to worry about so that limits things.
Long post, but here's my prediction: Meloche starts the season in Loveland, ends it in Denver. If he does indeed make it to the NHL that'll be such a huge win for the Avs oft-maligned developmental staff. He had stints with both the AHL and ECHL previously.