Here are the pairings I believe will start the season.
Hejda - Johnson
Wilson - Sarich
Benoit - Elliott/Barrie
Depth:
Hunwick (L)
Siemens (L)
Elliott/Barrie (R)
- NewEraAvs
That really is not the worst D core in the league, but it is not a group that will contend for the cup. All of these guys are #3-#7 guys on most teams in the NHL, with the exception of Siemens possibly developing into a Top Pairing D man. The Avs need that guy that the last cup winners have: the guy who is a true #1 D man. Chara, Keith, Weber, (insert name here). We need that guy who can shut down the opponents top line, interrupt the opposing team's momentum, keep our momentum going, and get the puck out of our zone. Those guys are rare, and finding one is like winning the lottery. Seth Jones may have been "one of those guys" but the Avs didn't seem to think so. With the status quo, we are a bubble playoff team. Our offense can go toe to toe with any team in the NHL, and if Roy/Foote can get more out of the D than Sacco did, we can contend and at least be fun to watch.
We have nothing to offer in a trade for D help, save Staz. He wouldn't command a difference maker on the blue line in return, so hopefully some of our prospects can develop. Seems like we are going to move Staz, hopefully resign Radar, and have a dominant #1 #2 #3 punch at Center for the next 10-15 years. If Radar wont re-up in the Mile High City, he could be packaged with a prospect or draft pick and command a solid return come the '14 trade deadline. From what I have read, Mitchell Heard, our 2nd round pick last year, projects as a strong defensive 3rd line center without the offensive upside of Radar, but keeping Radar should be priority #1.