While question marks still remain as to how the Colorado Avalanche will fill their final few forward spots, who will make up their defensive corps entering the season appears to be set.
On Monday, after he cleared waivers, the Avalanche reassigned defenseman Duncan Siemens to the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage. The move leaves them with seven defensemen on their roster and ends the debate as to whether the team would keep 14 forwards or the eight defensemen they traditionally held during Patrick Roy’s tenure as coach, at least for now.
The demotion is likely a disappointing one for Siemens. A first-round selection (11th overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the 23-year-old blueliner has only played in one career NHL game. There is a silver lining, however. This year marked the furthest Siemens has ever made it in camp prior to being reassigned, and a recall should injuries mount is not out of the question.
In 53 games for the Rampage last season, Siemens managed one goal, seven points and 90 penalty minutes, with a minus-5 rating. A defensive defensemen, his ability to handle the puck is likely what has stalled his development.
The Avalanche now have 26 players on their roster (which can be viewed here), meaning three players must be reassigned before the team begins the regular season.