Nobody here is doubting that Ryan Johansen is a legitimate top 6 forward in the NHL. His fit with the Avalanche is just not working!
Johansen has seen his ice time dwindle in the past few games and has even found himself on the fourth line recently. On the season he has played in all 28 games and has recorded 9 goals and 2 assists for a total of 11 points. Of those 9 goals, 5 of them have come on the powerplay. Maybe even more surprising are his low assists totals as Johansen has been viewed as more of a playmaker than a scorer in the past.
The Avalanche pride themselves on smooth skating and speed. Speed is found throughout their lineup with the likes of Makar, MacKinnon, Nichushkin, and even players such as Ross Colton and Miles Wood. Ryan Johansen does not fit this mold at all. The Avalanche wanted to get bigger at the end of last season. The signing of Johansen definitely accomplished that goal. By signing him, however, the Avalanche lost touch with their true identity – SPEED! Johansen at time appears as though he is skating in slow motion.
The Avalanche need an upgrade over Johansen; somebody that blends in with the play style that the team has implemented over the course of the last several seasons. If I’m Chris McFarland and company, I would be calling around trying to unload the remainder of his contract and find a more suitable replacement.
COMING UP – We will look at some options the Avalanche should consider?
WHAT DO YOU THINK AVS FANS? ARE YOU CONTENT WITH RYAN JOHANSEN AS THE 2C?
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