Eurolanche

Stastny 2.0

Paul Stastny in only 6 years  with the Colorado Avalanche went from being a bright star, to being the scape goat and blame to so many of the Avs woes. At the age of 26 he should be hitting his stride instead of seeing his point total drop over the past two seasons.

Is Stastny fully to blame for such a rapid drop in play like fans believe? In some ways yes, every player must take on blame for underperforming seasons. With contracts such as his at 6.6m per year it is expected to live up to a certain level. But no one man can carry a team.

Let’s take a look at Statsny best year in 2009-2010 in 82 games played a total of 79 points. His line mates at the time of Wojtek Wolski having a career year of his own. On the other wing Chris Stewart was having breakout year for himself playing with Statsny. Then the beginning of Statsny down fall came with the trade that sent Wolski out and Peter Mueller in. Mueller was brought in attempts to find wingers for Matt Duchene.  

The next season we saw Stewart leave in the block buster trade for Eric Johnson. Statsny point total drop to 57 points that year. While Matt Duchene enjoy his best year with newly acquired winger Tomas Flieschman helping out. It seemed like Avs management had set its priority’s on finding wingers to play with Matt Duchene. But with this priority came a lack of stability for Statsny. This season was revolving door of wingers for both Statsny and Duchene. As well with time for Duchene on Statsny wing. Nothing worked in the long term. Till finally at the trade deadline hope arrived. Young Jamie McGinn brought stability and grit to the Statsny line. This also brought out the best play in David Jones as well.

Jamie McGinn might be the saving grace for Statsny as long as Sacco leaves them intake. Even if the line struggles a bit I believe it should be left intake. As we saw this year with O’Reillys line stability can turn a career year for a center. Whenever the NHL does start up again will we get to see a stable and productive Statsny or will we see the same under achiever. More of that depends on management’s shoulders then fans realize. I for one look forward to a new season with the new line and new Statsny.