At the Colorado Avalanche, everyone believes they have the tools necessary to try to win a first Stanley Cup since 2001 and the arrival of forward Artturi Lehkonen could help the organization in this regard, according to general manager Joe Sakic.
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The latter offered more depth and leeway to his head coach Jared Bednar so as not to relive the disappointment of last year, when the “Avs” gave up in the second round of the playoffs in front of the Golden Vegas Knights. Thus, he obtained San Jose Sharks forward Andrew Cogliano and negotiated with his Montreal Canadiens counterpart, Kent Hughes, to acquire Lehkonen at the trade deadline on Monday.
Sakic is already welcoming this decision and, according to The Athletic, he would very well see his new player playing on the wing alongside pivot Alex Newhook, a rookie with 23 points in 53 games this season.
“He was one of the guys who we thought could be a good choice by virtue of the way we play, the way he plays and our needs,” the GM said after his day’s work. The group of six supporting attackers [des trios 3 et 4] and our depth have improved considerably. To achieve a long run in the series, you need it.
Also, the experience of the former number 62 of the Habs should be an asset in Colorado, where his compatriot Mikko Rantanen was delighted with the acquisition of Lehkonen, according to The Athletic.
“We were able to add reserves to our group and that’s what matters, hammered Sakic. We know that there are guys with character who are coming to help our dressing room and give us a winning attitude to try to win a cup.
In trust
With four straight wins in their pocket, including a 3-2 win in overtime on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers, the Avalanche sit atop the overall standings and have every reason to believe in their chances. In addition to his new weapons obtained during the day, Sakic had his hands on the back Josh Manson and forward Nico Sturm, respectively from the Anaheim Ducks and the Minnesota Wild.
The DG seems calm with his decisions of the last few days, even if some have reminded him that the departure of hope Justin Barron, now the property of the Canadian, is likely to be felt in a few years.
“To receive, you must give, simply issued the former glory of the Quebec Nordiques. Every club is different. There are exchanges that had to be made this year to resolve important issues, in our opinion.
Due to the delay in obtaining his work visa, Artturi Lehkonen likely won’t be able to play his first game as an Avalanche on Wednesday night when the Vancouver Canucks visit the Ball Arena.
The Finn still met the Colorado media for the first time on Tuesday.
“I am very excited. I can’t wait to have another chance.”
The “Avs” can count on the playoff experience of Lehkonen, who have not reached the last stage to obtain the Lord Stanley trophy since 2001.
“It’s not easy to get to the Stanley Cup final,” he said. It’s a very long period during which you have to play excellent hockey.
Lehkonen also said several of his new teammates contacted him as soon as they learned of the deal. Among them, star striker Mikko Rantanen is a childhood friend of his.