Jared Bednar and the Colorado Avalanche are closing in on completing their starting roster, and Domenick Fensore is heading to the AHL.
Three additional names were removed from the NHL camp squad by Colorado on Thursday when Fensore, Christian Wolanin, and Saige Weinstein were assigned to the Colorado Eagles.
The first round of cuts from early camp are not here. The Avalanche are deep enough into September that each decision they make today has a greater impact.
Wolanin, Weinstein, and Fensore remained in the NHL picture long enough to progress to one of the competition’s later rounds. They nearly made the final roster argument even if their next destination is the AHL.
The move also simplifies the blue-line situation for Bednar. Each defenceman who is sent down reduces the number of applicants for the remaining NHL positions and the number of combinations that need to be arranged.
Colorado still has options, but this is the stage of camp where management begins to shift from evaluation to roster construction.
The final stage of the Avalanche’s roster competition has arrived.
Because of this, the current round of cuts is quite noteworthy. The Avalanche are no longer merely lowering the amount of players in camp. They are getting nearer to selecting the players who will really be there when the regular season begins.
Wolanin gives the Eagles experience, and Fensore will have another chance to advance his growth in a larger AHL position. In addition, Weinstein will carry on his advancement with Colorado’s affiliate.
It doesn’t close the NHL door for any of them to be assigned. Once the season begins, the depth chart can shift quickly due to injuries, performance, and lineup needs.
However, there is a distinct split with the verdict on Thursday. There is now one less round of competition separating the players who are still in Denver from a position on an NHL club.
The last bubble players are under more pressure as a result. When the accessible positions have been reduced this far, a solid practice, preseason performance, or special-teams role can hold more weight.
The Avalanche have reached one of the most indicative portions of camp. The easy ones are largely over, and the remaining ones are becoming far more difficult.
Wolanin, Weinstein, and Fensore came close enough to make this a worthwhile cut. The players who are still competing to make the final roster are now the focus of Colorado’s attention.
