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If Sampo Ranta wants to stick in NHL, Avs rookie knows it’s going to have to be about more than just his stick

If Sampo Ranta wants to stick, it’s going to have to be about more than just his stick.

“There (are) some things (the Avs) defensively want to see from me,” the young Colorado winger noted late last week before leaving for the NHL rookie tournament in San Jose.

“Physicality, that energy, you know, skating, you know, just being tough to play against.

“Of course, (and) making plays. I’ve been a goal-scorer for my whole life, so bringing that aspect, too. But definitely more (of a) defensive role … that’s the biggest key.”

Even with the free-agent losses of Nazem Kadri and Andre Burakovsky, the defending Stanley Cup champions are going to open preseason camp with plenty of offensive firepower returning to the fold.