We "get" it. The theory - one the Kroenke Sports Enterprises ownership has both endorsed and subsequently, ahem, encouraged because the savings are so significant - is that the Avalanche's hugging of the NHL's salary-cap floor is a byproduct of rebuilding. The theory is that when the young talent blossoms and is due new contracts, the payroll figure will rise. The theory is that the Avalanche then would move up from the lower echelon of the league's total payroll figures, the wins would mount, the arena again would sell out (and at full price), and everyone would live happily ever after. Yet here's the most alarming sign of the offseason so far: The Colorado front office and ownership have given no indication that they realize this very important point: At least on the competitive level, the theory as enacted in Plan A isn't working. It's time for Plan B. The original plan has to be supplemented with aggressive pursuit of supplemental reinforcement, such as a major and relatively pricy unrestricted free agent or two . . . and not just a goaltender. As the rock-bottom payroll figures continue to be so appealing, all signs are that the organization is continuing to be carried away with: a) overrating its ability to spot and nurture young talent, and then, b) overrating that young talent itself, with notable exceptions I'll get to in a second. Instead, we're hearing by-rote recitations of that theory, with the kickers: Be patient. Just wait. Trust us. Remember Quebec! Two draft choices in the first 11 picks coming up! We might even get another Matt Duchene and Chris Stew . . . oops, make that another Erik Johnson! Yes, even the February trade that sent Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk to St. Louis for Johnson and Jay McClement fits that pattern. The Avs made that deal after finally realizing they had an overabundance of undersized, scooter-type defensemen on the roster and in the pipeline. That was a stylistic decision, not a departure from bigger-picture approach. Johnson, 23, essentially replaced Stewart and Shattenkirk in the formula, and the deal actually was at least a short-term payroll "wash" for Colorado. Last month, I wrote a column about the Los Angeles Kings' rebuilding, with team business executive Luc Robitaille - a Hall of Fame winger - saying they had been frank with their fans about the process and the need for patience. The Avalanche front office has said similar things. I'm not saying the Avs won't eventually win back the Colorado hockey constituency and add to it, but so far, that strategy hasn't been well-executed." Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/ci_17917109
