The Avalanche likely would need to have the best record in the league for the final three months to make the playoffs. That isn’t happening.
Suddenly, this went from talking about possible moves to salvage the season to conceding that’s impossible and that it’s time to move on.
The collapse was so resounding, so complete, this was like Christmas sneaking up. All of a sudden, you’re at the mall on Christmas Eve and asking the post office if it has a “Get it there yesterday” option.
It’s too late. The Avalanche’s Thursday waiver claim of Matt Nieto from San Jose amounts to an audition for next season, given that he is playing under a $735,000 one-year contract and can be a restricted free agent July 1.