I know it sounds like I 'm beating a dead horse... and I am... but we are just days away from the start off free-agency and there has been no progress on a new deal for Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog.
In fact, according the Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period wrote that both sides "haven’t been any meaningful conversations" in days. Pagnotta, as do I, fully expect both sides to give their best shot over the next 48 hours. At one time I was convinced that there was zero percent chance that Landeskog would leave Colorado - now I'm like 50/50.
Even Sakic said "I don't know" when asked about the possibility of re-signing his captain.
The 28-year-old was the Avs first pick, 2nd overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. In 687 career games, the winger's collected 512 points (218g 294a) plus 45 points (16g 20a) in 49 playoff games. Landeskog has scored at least 20 goals in eight of his first 10 seasons, eclipsing the 30-goal mark in one of those seasons. He's been the Avs captain since 2012.
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Besides their own players, the Avs are linked to at least a couple of big time free agent defenseman. Colorado is believed to be kicking the tires on both Dougie Hamilton and David Savard.
Hamilton was taken 9th overall by Boston in the same draft as Landeskog. He's big, strong right-shot defender that can put up points with the best of them . Hamilton has at least 40 points in six of the last seven seasons between Calgary and Carolina. He would be a huge get for the Avs.
But...
Hamilton is the prize of the free agent defensive class and although the Avs are interested, it doesn't appear that they have a shot. New Jersey and Carolina are considered heavy favorites to land the big blue-liner. Plus he'd cost too much and Cale Makar's new deal eats up a good chunk on the budget.
As for Savard, he is coming off a Stanley Cup win with the Lightning and would cost less than a Hamilton would. He's also a right-shot D, but he's older than Hamilton and plays a more defensive game. Savard would add grit and playoff moxie to a team that has failed to reach its lofty goals in each of the last couple of playoffs.
My gut tells me the focus will be on the in-house stuff first and once that's buttoned up the rest of the off-season can start to take shape.
Thanks for reading, Steve