A Very Sad Day at DU

Yesterday afternoon, we here on the beautiful campus of the University of Denver received the news that Paul Stastny has signed with the Colorado Avalanche and will forgo his remaining two years at DU. Many of my colleagues feel pained and could barely work today. I’ve seen grown men tear up at the thought of the loss. It’s been a very sad day indeed.

The feeling around the nets represents two very different ends of the feelings spectrum…naturally; Avs fans are thrilled to see a signing at long last. They feel hopeful that Stastny will knock everyone’s socks off at training camp and assume his rightful place with the team. There are a few nay-sayers who believe he doesn’t stand a snowflake’s chance in hell of making the team and will spend the next year in Albany with the AHL’s River Rats, but only time will tell…

The DU fans feel quite differently about the situation. They express their best wishes to Paul in the future, but also feel disappointed and shocked, some even betrayed, by his very sudden departure.

Personally, I am always happy for players when they get one step closer to their dreams of playing in the NHL. I only feel saddened for the team to have lost a teammate. I hope that Paul is able to play with the Avalanche in the coming season and that he finds success very soon.

Now we all must look to future of both teams and see the light at the end of this tunnel. The Avalanche was able to save some cap space as Stastny signed an entry level contract that will pay $450,000 should he make the team. They also add greatly to the offensive depth they can pull from throughout the season.

The Pioneers will be able to afford opportunities to other, very talented players throughout this year that will enhance the team for the years to come and make them stronger competitors as a group.