Every year, shortly after the Avalanche players return for training camp, the teams hold their annual ‘Burgundy and White’ game, a spirited, intrasquad scrimmage that allows the players to get their competitive juices flowing once more, and allows the coaching staff to evaluate some of their new players in the process. Sunday’s 6-2 win by Team White unofficially started the Avalanche preseason, which will begin in earnest tonight, when they face off against the expansion Vegas Golden Knights.
Considering the scrimmage, here are a few fresh faces to keep an eye out for during the Avs’ brief, six-game preseason.
J.T. Compher & Nail Yakupov
Playing on the White Team, J.T. Compher and Nail Yakupov seemed to click almost instantaneously. Their chemistry was almost immediate; in the first period, Yakupov sent a beautiful saucer pass to Compher, who beat Burgundy goaltender Semyon Varlamov and buried the puck in the net.
Yakupov, once the top overall selection by Edmonton in the 2012 NHL draft, seemed to feel right at home; using his speed and skill to create space for himself throughout the scrimmage. The immensely talented Yakupov is still only 23, and the Avalanche are hoping that he breaks out at the NHL level this season.
A.J. Greer
A natural pest on the ice, Greer’s role is to get under the opponents’ skin, and he did so against Team Burgundy after he got tangled up in front of the Burgundy net. Varlamov took issue with Greer’s proximity, and the two pushed and shoved each other until cooler heads prevailed.
Andrei Mironov
After spending a few seasons in the KHL with the Dynamo Moscow, Mironov is quickly adjusting to the more physical North American style of play. The 23-year-old Mironov didn’t shy away from contact, and his impressive shot power was on display when he ripped a slap-shot from the point that found its way past Varlamov in the third period.
Chris Bigras
Chris Bigras served as Mironov’s defensive partner and set up multiple scoring opportunities for the team, showing both situational awareness and skill. After spending the past few seasons with the San Antonio Rampage, Bigras has had plenty of time to develop; the Avalanche expect him to make a serious push for a roster spot this season.
There are still plenty of storylines to follow during the preseason, but the performances of the youngsters might go a long way towards re-inventing this Avalanche team. It’s worth noting that all these standout scrimmage performers played on the White team, and much of what they accomplished was at the expense of unquestioned starter Varlamov; his preseason performances might mean more to the club then all the gentlemen listed above — combined.
