Because the Colorado Avalanche put together to climate a number of key absences to begin the season, they’ll look to one among their dependable pillars, defenseman Devon Toews, now coming into his fifth season with the membership. Whereas many eyes will probably be on place battles and the efficiency of Casey Mittelstadt, followers and pundits alike gained’t must surprise about Toews. Right here’s what to anticipate from him heading into 2024-25.
Toews’ 2023-24 Season
Although some had been a bit bearish on Toews’ efficiency in 2023-24, it’s arduous to be disenchanted total. For the primary time in his profession, he performed all 82 video games, averaging a stable 23:26 per night time – the bottom since he joined the Avalanche. Ideally, he and Cale Makar gained’t must play the majority of each recreation once more this season, as a result of that’s one of the best ways to put on down their most beneficial items.
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Although his ice time was down by almost two minutes per recreation, he loved just a few upticks. First, he improved from seven targets to 12, one shy of his career-best 13 in 2021-22. He additionally improved on his takeaways, as much as 57 from 45. Toews’ manufacturing remained the identical – 50 factors for the second season in a row, all at even energy – maybe the one criticism. Howeve, if something, it underscores his consistency since coming to Denver.
What the Avalanche Want from Toews
The Avalanche want Toews to proceed quietly being among the best gamers within the league. He isn’t flashy and doesn’t present the high-end manufacturing of his typically defensive associate Cale Makar, however that’s not his recreation. He does all of the little issues proper. He’s consistently within the correct place, has an underrated offensive recreation, and is nearly as good defensively as anybody at his place within the NHL. He’s a gentle, calming presence in comparison with Makar’s electrical flare.
He’ll once more be an anchor on one of many league’s greatest defenses. He’s versatile sufficient that he can play on both facet and has an underrated shot from the purpose. The Avs know precisely what they’ll get from him and that form of reassuring presence is invaluable. Given the upheaval within the lineup, Toews will probably be a steadying presence.
Toews’ 2024-25 Projections
At 30 years previous, Toews continues to be within the prime of his profession. That additionally means it’s unlikely we’ll see any enormous boosts in his manufacturing. However provided that Makar is able to pushing the tempo with 90+ factors, that isn’t required of Toews. He’s the stable presence that comes up large for the Avalanche away from the highlight.
Search for Toews to have a season just like his final three. He ought to mess around 80 video games and register a line within the 11-41-52 vary. It wouldn’t be out of the realm of chance to see him prime the 60-point mark for the primary time, however it will be stunning. Given the query marks surrounding the underside pair, Toews needs to be nearer in ice time to the earlier two seasons (above 25 minutes per night time in every), and that bump may see his manufacturing inch up as effectively.
Toews a Quietly Dominant Drive
Everyone knows how good Toews is, incomes votes for each the Norris Trophy and Girl Byng Trophy in latest seasons. He does his job effectively and infrequently takes penalties. For the foreseeable future, the Avalanche’s protection will stay elite as a result of it has two of the most effective blueliners within the league. Toews won’t ever garner the identical love as Makar, maybe rightfully so. However he stays a dominant drive on the Avalanche, somebody the crew can depend upon to play effectively in all conditions.
