


In addition to Kyle Quincey's rant about the culture within the Avs' locker room, I recently read an article posted on ESPN where TJ Galiardi said that Sharks GM Doug Wilson told him that "I would be treated with a lot more respect. I'm looking forward to it." Is this all sour grapes? Or is there a real problem surrounding how Avs players feel they are perceived by coaches and ownership?
--Drooling Moose, Columbia, Mo.

Dear Drooling, hmm, how to answer this... OK let's just be honest: Galiardi indeed felt unhappy here toward end. He didn't like how he was treated much. He felt that if he made one mistake, he was in the doghouse, but if others made mistakes, they got off easier. He didn't think he was given as much of a chance as others.

I don't want to pass a lot of judgment on this. Galiardi has his opinion, and I'm sure Joe Sacco has his. But Sacco and the team don't talk about players anymore that are traded or released.

I will point out that Galiardi was played often on the top two lines -- including the last game he played with the Avs, Saturday in Detroit. He skated with Matt Duchene and Paul Stastny, and his stats were: 14:22 played, no points, one shot on goal and minus-1 in a 4-3 Avs win.

As I wrote right after the trade, I think he and the team just couldn't figure out what kind of player he should be anymore. He is a tweener, caught between having just enough physicality and skill, but maybe not enough of both on a consistent basis to find a specific niche.

Listen, guys complain about the coach and their playing time a lot. It's really not some huge deal. I don't believe the Avs had or have major problems with chemistry in the dressing room. Some guys get unhappy at times, and that's hockey. But with Galiardi, I think it got to a point where both sides wanted to mutually part. It happens.

The Avalanche went 4-0 immediately after trading away TJ Galiardi and adding Steve Downie. Here, Avs left wing Cody McLeod yells out after his goal against
The Avalanche went 4-0 immediately after trading away TJ Galiardi and adding Steve Downie. Here, Avs left wing Cody McLeod yells out after his goal against the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 27. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

Trading Daniel Winnik was a bummer, although I do like the return we got for him and Gallo. Winnik was pretty great on penalty kills and was one of our more physical forwards. Since Winnik will be a UFA this next offseason, any chance we get him back?
--Dylan M., Boulder

I suppose there's always a chance, but I doubt it. Once the Avs part with a player, they're usually done with them, though there have been exceptions (Peter Forsberg, Adam Foote, Warren Rychel).

But you're right Dylan, losing Winnik was tough. He was a useful player and good guy. But his long scoring drought (31 straight games) and contract status played a role in the Avs thinking maybe they should look toward a younger guy who had a better status with his contract for their purposes.

It will be interesting to see how the Avs' PK performs without Winnik, because he added a lot of good things there.

Hey AD, where are the Penguins going to skate on Friday for practice in Denver? Maybe Apex or Pepsi Center? Is there an opportunity to watch or get autographs afterwards? We always take in the Penguins game when they visit, and I heard that Sid is a possibility for Saturday.
--Jim Strohmeier, Littleton

Jim, your sources must be better than mine, because I haven't heard much about a possibility of Sid The Kid playing. He's still out with a concussion, but he is practicing, which is good news for the Pens and the league. But he has not been cleared for contact yet, as of Thursday anyway. So I would say the chances of him playing Saturday are next to nil.

The Penguins are slated to practice Friday at Pepsi Center. Not sure what time, but late morning is probably a good bet.

Hey Adrian! As you know, a great hockey team must have great chemistry between players in order to succeed. I have often wondered how close many of the Avalanche players are when they aren't on the ice. Do you happen to know if any of the Burgundy and Blue are very good friends outside of the game?
--Reiner, St. Louis

Yeah, Reiner, there are some good friends on the team. Duchene and O'Reilly are tight. Stastny and Jones are pretty tight. Hejduk is friends with everyone. Wilson and O'Byrne are good buds. It's a pretty good room.

Is it the most lively room I've ever covered? No, but I covered teams that once had Mike Keane and Mike Ricci and Claude Lemieux on them -- they were lively.

Any chance of the Calder and Selke trophies not only going to the same team, but the same line?
--Mark, SW Colorado

Mark, good question. I would say there is a shot, yes. Landeskog has really started getting some heavy press as the leading Calder Trophy candidate as best rookie. And O'Reilly should definitely be part of the Selke discussion (for defensive rookies). We'll see what happens. The writers around the league vote on these trophies, and yours truly will get a vote. Right now, both are at or near the top of my list.

Hi Adrian I was wondering if you have any news about Joey Hishon? I know he suffered a concussion but I do not hear too much talk about him. He is an young player with excellent hope for the future.
--David Jean, Rimouski, Quebec

Unfortunately, the latest on Hishon continues to be what it's been all year long -- out with the concussion, with no firm timetable on when he might be back.

It's too bad, because he's got a lot of talent and was a first-round pick of the Avs. The Avs' pickup of Sharks prospect Michael Sgarbossa might be interpreted as an attempt to start hedging their bets if Hishon's future continues to look muddled.
