If Joel Quenneville, a master of music trivia, had to name one tune to summarize the past 18 months, Carly Simon’s “Anticipation” certainly would be a front-runner.
After being out of work for the second half of the 2003-04 NHL season, and missing a season altogether because of the lockout, the new Avalanche coach definitely is well-prepared for the start of training camp Tuesday.
“This is the third camp we’ve prepared for since last September,” Quenneville said. “We got ready at the start of the (2004-05) year, and thought we might be coming back last February, so we prepared for a shortened season. I think we’re all excited to know we’ll all definitely be on the ice this time.”
Quenneville, who turns 47 on Thursday, is aware some Avalanche fans may not be so excited about the coming season, with the losses of stars Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote.
Don’t prejudge this Avalanche team, Quenneville says. There is plenty of talent left, and an underdog mentality might not be such a bad thing for a team so used to being the favorite in the past.
“We lost a couple of great players, no question,” Quenneville said. “But I think everybody on this team is going to have more involvement than maybe other years. I think we’re a deeper team, with four lines that can score, four lines that can play at both ends.”
Quenneville is aware skepticism exists surrounding Pierre Turgeon’s ability to effectively replace Forsberg as one of the team’s top two centers. Turgeon recently turned 36 and hasn’t scored more than 15 goals since 2000-01 – for Quenneville’s former team, the St. Louis Blues.
“Certainly, his years in Dallas weren’t very effective,” Quenneville said. “But the new rules should help him a lot. He’s still very good around the net and on the power play. I know ‘Turge’ is still in great shape, and he’s excited about a new opportunity with this organization. Our coaching staff felt he was a very effective player for Dallas in the last playoff series with them, and I think he can still be a very good player for us.”
Quenneville said he wants his players to gain a reputation as the hardest workers in the NHL.
Expect the Avs to make short, crisp passes with plenty of emphasis on gaining possession of the puck.
“With the new rules, the puck carrier is going to have more leverage to do what he wants,” Quenneville said. “Having puck possession is obviously a great way to play the game. If you don’t have the puck, you want to work hard to get it back as quick as you can, and that involves checking hard.”
Blues forward Keith Tkachuk called Quenne- ville the best coach he’s ever played under, and said his addition will keep the Avs among the elite.
“He treats everybody like men, and gets the most out of his players,” Tkachuk said.
The Avs have eight experienced defensemen on the roster, but teams usually carry only seven. Quenneville, a former defenseman, said having too many veteran blue-liners is a problem he’s thrilled to have.
“I know from experience that you can never have too much depth on defense,” he said. “You can have injuries at any time. To have the kind of quality depth we have there, that’s huge.”
Quenneville can barely wait for Tuesday morning, but said the butterflies will kick in a little later.
“I usually only get nervous for two games a year, the first exhibition game and opening night,” he said. “But I know that Tuesday is a day we’ve been waiting for a long time. It’s great to be talking hockey again.”
Training camp roster
FORWARDS
Andrew Brunette, LW: Former Wild winger, whose goal ended the career of Patrick Roy, will be counted on for 15 to 20 goals.
Daniel DaSilva, RW: Played at Portland (WHL) last season.
Chris Durand, C: Scored 18 goals for Seattle (WHL).
Paul Healey, LW: Played for Edmonton and San Antonio (AHL).
Milan Hejduk, RW: Avs hoping he can hit 50 goals again.
Dan Hinote, RW: Pesky winger back again.
Steve Konowalchuk, LW: Veteran should play on second line.
Jason Krog, C: With Riku Hahl playing in Europe this season, he could be a fourth-line center.
Antti Laaksonen, LW: Former DU speedster should help PK.
Ian Laperriere, RW: Former King will fight anybody.
Brad May, LW: Will the former Canuck be booed by Avs fans?
Cody McCormick, C-RW: Injured part of last season in Hershey (AHL).
Brett McLean, C: Former Blackhawk good on faceoffs.
Brad Richardson, C: Third in Ontario League scoring (97 points).
Joe Sakic, C: More than ever, will have to lead the offense.
Frantisek Skladany, LW: Probably ticketed for Lowell.
Ryan Steeves, C-LW: Only six goals in 75 games for Hershey.
David Svagrovsky, RW: Played for Colorado Eagles last season.
Marek Svatos, RW: Had subpar season for Hershey.
Alex Tanguay, LW: Still only 25, could have a big year.
Pierre Turgeon, C: Unenviable job of making fans forget Peter Forsberg.
Wojtek Wolski, LW: Needs seasoning, but a bright prospect.
DEFENSEMEN
Rob Blake: Avs need a huge year from 35-year-old.
Bob Boughner: Likable veteran recovered from knee problems.
Johnny Boychuk: Likely Lowell-bound.
Patrice Brisebois: Happy to be out of Montreal.
Brett Clark: Fill-in type should injuries occur.
Jeff Finger: Ditto Clark.
Curtis Leschyshyn: 1996 Cup alum happy to be back.
John-Michael Liles: NHL all-rookie team selection playing for only league minimum.
Mitch Love: Great name, but unlikely to stay with big club.
Jason Lynch: Played at Spokane (WHL) last season.
Raymond Macias: Played at Kamloops (WHL).
Kurt Sauer: Avs hoping for a career resurgence.
Karlis Skrastins: NHL’s reigning Ironman, will be an unrestricted free agent after season.
Tomas Slovak: Lowell-bound.
Ossi Vaananen: Only player left from trades involving Chris Drury, Stephane Yelle and Derek Morris.
Mikko Viitanen: Had so-so year in minors.
GOALTENDERS
David Aebischer: Should be solid for Avs.
Peter Budaj: Odds-on favorite to win backup job.
Vitaly Kolesnik: Played well for Kazakhstan in world championships.
Tom Lawson: Will battle Budaj for backup job.
Tyler Weiman: Goalie of the year in CHL for champion Colorado Eagles.
Staff writer Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-820-5454 or adater@denverpost.com.
