from Adrian Dater of the Denver Post,

Does Jarome Iginla have much left in the tank? The numbers indisputably say yes. Iginla led a good Boston team in goals last season (30). Not since the 1999-2000 season has Iginla failed to score 30 goals in a season (excluding the NHL's 2012-13 lockout year). He scored 29 in the 1999-2000 season for the Flames.

He is 37 and not the fastest skater on the ice, but all indications are that his hands and finishing ability remain among the elite in the NHL. He also gives the Avs something they have lacked since Chris Stewart was traded: a power forward from the right side.

Will the defense still be a liability? The Avalanche allowed too many shots last season, an average of 32.7 per game. That ranked 25th in the league. The only significant addition to the top six is veteran Brad Stuart, who turns 35 in November. While Stuart adds toughness and experience, the overall defensive corps remains the Avs' most worrisome area. Players such as Erik Johnson, Tyson Barrie and Nick Holden will have to be just as good, and likely better, if the Avs are to make things easier on themselves and Varlamov.

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