Jerseys and Hockey Love

Stepping Off the Plane into Greatness

As the plane touched down in Louisville, an hour and a half late, I turned on the not-a famous-Treo cell phone a little sooner than I should have. Email came streaming in, with one big title from Greg:

YES!

The Avs signed the scariest mug around to a five year deal, for less money than most would have thought. I wonder if the Drury deal had anything to do with it, but for the type of player he is hyped to be, I would have thought Smyth would have gotten more dough. Still, for the Avs, this is a very good thing. I can’t tell you how many times I have yelled at my TV, “Put someone in front of the NET!!!” Now, I have nothing to worry about. In fact, I wonder if they will be able to pry him away.

So, Ryan Smyth, Avalanche. Facing the Oilers eight times next season. I am sure the hate between fan bases will start brewing, jealousy and anger being what they are. But considering that Smyth was the cheapest of the Big 4 free agents, this is a huge coup for the Avs.

Considering last year – the big splash the Avs made was Tyler Arnason (who worked out OK, compared to his previous seasons) – and considering the Avs are keeping Jose Theodore around as a 6 million dollar backup, it was time to show the fan base that the Avs were still committed to winning, and I feel they did that today. The signing of Scott Hannan was also a good move, as they need some more defense, especially since we have no idea how Leopold will work out next season. If there were three things I felt the Avs needed to get in free agency, it was defense, a number 2 goalie who could sit in Cleveland for a little bit, and hope. The first and last things were certainly accomplished today, and Francois Giguere did a good job overall. Now, lets go get us a Curtis Sanford locked up, and I think we have us a team.

And, you know, considering how last season worked out, it’s nice to have a team again. Go Avs!

James Gralian

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6 responses to “Stepping Off the Plane into Greatness”

  1. Ah, to see Smyth play against his old team 8 times…how satisfying that must be.

    For me, now I hate him again, because the Canucks have to put up with him probably about 8 times as well!
    I liked him better far away in New York!

  2. Good moves for the Avs. I am glad I am not a Sabres fan today. OUCH! I thought they would lose either Drury or Briere but I didn’t think they would lose both. Still lots of UFAs out there to be signed.

  3. Zan – It makes me happy to hear you say that.

    HC – I don’t think anyone thought Buffalo would lose both, but they must not have made much of a commitment up front to either one enough to draw some attention.

  4. Yup, that’s what it sounds like. I guess Buffalo has a policy of not negotiating contracts during the season. Hmmm. Looks like it came back to bite them. With the signings of Gomez and Drury is anyone else having flashbacks of the late 90’s early 00’s Rangers?

  5. It pains me to admit I think you guys did the best on day one. Nabbing both Smyth and Hannan is huge and, frankly, will be very annoying to deal with eight times a year. In addition, your team has the most fantastic hair of any team in the West now. Load up on shampoo stock!