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Avs GM Joe Sakic on lack of major moves: ‘I like my players’

PAT GRAHAM that’s something we’ll look
AP Sports Writer to do.”
DENVER (AP) — Joe Sa- Sakic and the Avalanche
kic’s team languishes in last didn’t completely sit on
place. His players, though, the sidelines as they sent
remain first-rate. Andreas Martinsen to Mon-
That’s the feeling of the treal for Sven Andrighetto,
Colorado Avalanche gen- a 23-year-old forward who
eral manager and why scored two goals in 27
he didn’t make any major games with the Canadiens.
moves at the trade dead- But the team’s biggest
line Wednesday except move was intended to
dealing Jarome Iginla to help someone win else-
Los Angeles for possibly where: Sakic accommo-
one last playoff push. dated Iginla by sending
After all the trade rumors, the 39-year-old forward to
captain Gabriel Landesk- the Kings for what may be
og and forward Matt Duch- his final chance at a Stan-
ene remain with the Ava- ley Cup title. In exchange,
lanche — for now, anyway. the Avalanche received
The offseason may bring a a conditional fourth-round
different tune. pick in 2018.
“I don’t have to make any “It’s a respect thing,” Sakic
major moves,” said Sakic, said. “Him as a person, him
whose team is 17-41-3 with as a hockey player — a
37 points and the worst Hall of Fame hockey player
home record in hockey. “I for his career. We wanted
like my players. I’ve always to give him an opportunity
stated if there’s something to get to a great place,
that’s going to help our where he wanted to go.” Colorado Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen (96), of Finland, is congratulated by Nikita Zadorov (16),
organization long-term, With the Avalanche buried of Russia, Mark Barberio, right, and Nathan MacKinnon (29) following Rantanen’s goal against
the Carolina Hurricanes during overtime in an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Feb.
17, 2017.
Associated Press
in the standings, the trade do that. I keep discussions untouchables on the roster
rumors frequently swirled internal.” appear to be speedster Na-
around Landeskog and They can exhale for the than MacKinnon and right
Duchene. Both were anx- moment. The days leading wing Mikko Rantanen. The
ious to have this day come up to the NHL draft could Avalanche figure to bring
and go. bring a fresh wave of ru- up some of their youngsters
Asked if he was going to mors, though. over the remainder of the
say anything to them, Sakic “There are no guarantees season, starting with left
said: “I don’t really have to on any trades,” Sakic said. wing J.T. Compher, who’s
tell them anything, to be “We’re going to do what’s expected to join the team
honest with you. They’re best for our organization in Ottawa for their game
my players and they have long-term. We want to get Thursday. Compher was
been the whole time. younger, that’s what we’re acquired in the deal that
“I’m sure I’m going to have looking to do this offsea- sent Ryan O’Reilly to Buf-
conversations with both of son. We free up some cap falo in June 2015.
them,” Sakic added. “It’s space and we’re going to Defenseman Duncan Sie-
the business. I’m not the try to keep getting younger mens — the 11th overall
one who’s out there throw- and faster.” pick in 2011 — could also
ing names around. I don’t These days, about the only get a look.q