2. Jason Demers
Team: Dallas Stars Age: 28 Status: UFA
2015-2016 stats: GP: 62 G: 7 A: 16 P: 23 +/-: 16 PIM: 72
Demers has a lot of qualities to like in a defenseman. He’s got decent size, he’s physical, he’s mobile, he’s got good instincts at both ends and he has a mean streak.
For the Avalanche, Demers’ skills in transition (including a good first pass) would make him an asset offensively; his positioning and physicality would do the same defensively. He also makes a great first pass and has a good point shot. Head coach Patrick Roy has an affinity for players that came from the QMJHL, which also works in Demers’ favor.
A right-handed shot, there is not currently room for Demers in the Avalanche’s top-four. Still, he would merit a lot of consideration should a spot open up. Consider him a really good Tyson Barrie contingency plan.
Estimated cost: $4-5 million per season.
