Of the Avalanche’s three forward spots, right wing is likely the weakest. On the roster last season, Jarome Iginla and Jack Skille were the only two natural right wingers. Iginla will most definitely be in the fold next season, but Skille (an unrestricted free agent) is unlikely to be back.
That being said, many of the Avalanche’s forwards showed the ability to play the position. When asked at points last season, Blake Comeau, Gabriel Landeskog, Andreas Martinsen, Shawn Matthias and others moved over to the right side, with varying degrees of success.
Though he’s a natural center (and shoots left), Matt Duchene spent the majority of the season on the right side. Of all the aforementioned players, he figures to have to potential to factor in the Avalanche’s plans for the position the most.
For the purposes of this article, we will assume that at least one of the aforementioned players will move to the right side next season. Prospect J.T. Compher will probably start at right wing, should he make the team. Mikko Rantanen can play the position as well.
Still, in spite of all of these factors, the Avalanche will need to add at least one (maybe two) right wingers this offseason. Ideally, the addition will be able to play in the team’s top-six.
Here’s a look at five right wingers the Avalanche should consider this offseason:
