John Michael-Liles
Team: Carolina Hurricanes Pos: D Age: 35 Ht: 5’10” Wt: 185 Shoots: L GP: 60 G: 5 A: 9 P: 14 Contract status: Pending UFA ($3,875,000)
Perhaps the best way for the Avalanche to move forward is by reaching into their past.
Liles will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and while Sakic did say that he is not willing to trade high draft picks or top prospects for rentals, Liles might be had at a reasonable price. Not to mention, he isn’t just ANY rental player.
When the Colorado Avalanche named their 20th anniversary team last year, Liles was amongst the defensemen. In fact, he is the highest-scoring defenseman in Avalanche history. Sure, his numbers have dropped off some since he left the Mile High City, but he can still move the puck, has good possession numbers and is reliable in his own end.
His greatest value, however, could be in the mentoring of Chris Bigras. Though both are left-handed shots, Liles can play the right side. Bigras has been solid defensively in his rookie season, but his offensive game has proven a bit slow to develop. If Liles can help him round out his game, Bigras could be … well … the next John-Michael Liles.
Ron Hainsey and Ryan Murphy are also options on the Carolina blueline, and Colorado would not be at risk of losing either of them for nothing in the offseason. Still, Liles was a fan favorite during his time in Colorado, and dealing for him may make too much sense to pass up.
