Eurolanche

Analysing the Martinsen signing

More than a month after the end of Colorado’s 2014-15 season, general manager Joe Sakic made his first offseason signing, as the Avalanche have announced they’ve signed a contract with Norwegian forward Andreas Martinsen. Martinsen’s spent the last three years playing in the highest tier German league for the Dusseldorfer EG Metro Stars. He’s signed a one-year contract, with the terms of the contract not being disclosed.

Another big body

After the arrival of head coach Patrick Roy, the Avs have changed their philosophy, with new players and signings being big, strong bodies. Martinsen’s no exception, as he’s measured at 6’ 3’’ (190 cm) and weights 205 lbs (93 kg). His physicality helps his play on offense, as he’s good at winning possession and wins the majority of his battles along the boards.

Martinsen’s also good at throwing his body around, as he’s literally enjoying one-on-one battles. His favorite on the ice’s in front of the crease, battling the opposition’s defensemen. A scouting agency wrote that he’s a big, strong player, who’s excelling at hitting players, having a tough, physical style of play. The North American play style, which is considerably tougher than the European one, shouldn’t be too hard for Martinsen to adapt to.

A versatile forward

The 24-year-old can play at center, but he’s also good at playing on the right wing. He could therefore find a spot in the lineup rather soon. Martinsen’s an impressive player, being able to complete almost any task the coaches ask him to, which is why he’s on the ice for both power-plays and shorthanded situations.

According to various scouts, Martinsen’s a perfectly versatile player. Not only does he bring toughness and professionalism, but he also brings a skilled pair of hands with him. It’s been claimed that big players aren’t particularly skilled and fast, but this has been dismissed in recent year and also proved wrong by Martinsen’s signing with the Avalanche. All in all, he’s a skilled player, who will surprise opposing players with an occasional trick hidden up his sleeve.

Martinsen established himself in the DEL, not only for his hard-nosed style of play, but also because of his dangerous shot. Although he’s more of a passer, he can find the twine when forced to shoot. He scored 18 goals in the 2014-15 season and also played a key role during his team’s battle for a play-off spot.

Andreas Martinsen was born in Norway, in the town of Bærum, where he made his first hockey steps. He established himself while playing for Lillehammer, the 2006-07 season being his first there. Since 2012, after failing to earn himself a contract while attending the training camp of the Washington Capitals, he’s found a new home in Germany. The past season was his most successful, as he scored 18 goals, while amassing 41 points in 50 games. Martinsen’s a longtime national team player, also appearing at this year’s World Championship in the Czech Republic. The tournament was already his 6^th senior World Championship.

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