Things, however, are still positive. The Pens and Caps got knocked over in the first couple years after getting Crosby, Malkin, Ovi, etc., and look where they are now. In three years, the Avs are going to be very, very scary. They aren’t a contender yet, but the teams that have adopted this strategy to building their rosters started slow and are now at the top of the NHL. The Avs are going to get there, and it won’t be long in coming – but it won’t be this season. I’m very excited to see them come back to contention. I always loved the Sakic glory years.

What Halford didn’t mention is that Duchene still hasn’t started heating up yet. His play in his own zone has shown a lot of improvement and he still looks quick and creative when he is in the attacking zone. It is only a matter of time before he starts putting up more serious points.

Also, Jones has already proven he can remain healthy and has been a consistent force, even after the collapse last year. If anything, the health of Peter Mueller is more concerning. The Avalanche have one of the best third lines in the league in the first six games with Landeskog/O’Reilly/Winnik setting the tone for the rest of the team.

Kyle Quincey is highly underrated and Ryan O’Byrne has proven dependable, even though he takes the occasional penalty. Hejda is solid and Wilson is a serious NHLer. The team has meshed well with a mean O’Brien. Plus, they are big. Quincey and Johnson can both put up some offensive numbers.

This team won’t contend, but are bound to surprise some fans and win others back. They are still on the tail end of a rebuild, but the true identity of this team is emerging. They are realizing their going to be mean and hard to play against in their own end, and fast and energetic at the other end. Halford, you are going to eat your words.