Now, for the first time ever, Avs writers have to skip over the number 19 when doing player reviews. As sad as that is, today's focus is on number 22 Scott Hannan.

Season Stats: 81 Games played, two goals, 14 assists, 16 points
Postseason Stats: Six GP, no goals, no assists
Nicknames: Scotty? Hanner? Bueller? Anyone?

Scott Hannan came into this year a much maligned player. He was making far too much money ($4.5 million), was coming off a bad season (he was -21) and seemed to have lost a step.

However, in the first part of the season, Hannan formed a good shutdown pair with Kyle Quincey. He still wasn't the fastest guy but he was calm with the puck, great in his positioning and cohesive with Quincey.

Once Quincey started losing his game, things changed though. What was once cohesion was now confusion and the pairing started to struggle mightily. However, despite that, Hannan was still in the right position and still making smart plays.

While he will never be a bruiser nor an offensive defenseman, Hannan has become a good positional guy who will go in the corners and win battles vs. some of the small to medium sized forwards. Hannan did a nice job at changing his game from a bruiser to a positional type which helped him remain useful on this team.

However, whether he'll be here next year isn't certain. As stated above, Hannan has a bloated contract and the Avs have quite a few prospects going pro (at least three) and might want to clear out room for one or two of them. Quincey, Cumiskey and Wilson aren't going to be traded and should Foote return, that would leave the Avs with no roster positions for the rookie defensemen.

Highlight of the Year

Hannan scoring a goal vs. Philly was the best highlight he got this year.



2010-11 outlook

If Hannan is still here, look for him to probably have the best year of his contract as the Contract expires after this year.

Join the Discussion: Chat Room » Message Board »

» Avs re-sign Stewart

» Way to go Terry Frei

» Why Sidney Crosby is the NHL's best player

» Kroenke owns Rams now, will transfer Avs to son

» Tracking the rebuild: Los Angeles