Once a rising star, Liles' stock in the Avs organization continues to drop
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For the sixth time this season, and the second game in a row, embattled Colorado Avalanche defenseman John Michael Liles was listed as a healthy scratch.
Liles, who earns $4.2 million per year, has scored only 24 points (4 goals, 20 assists) in 40 games this year. With the impending return of Ruslan Salei, it’s hard to see how Liles can work his way back into the good graces of coach Joe Sacco. It’s clear that Sacco doesn’t see Liles as a player with much to contribute to this team. The question is whether or not Colorado can get a deal done. Liles’ hefty salary, with 2 remaining years after this one, makes him a difficult piece to move. If Sacco decides Liles is a permanent fixture on the bench, he may have no choice but to pull the trigger on a less than equitable trade just to get such an expensive player off the bench.
Either way, don’t expect to see much of Liles between now and the Olympic break. And if Salei plays well and appears recovered during the Olympics with his native Belarus, don’t expect to see much of Liles after the break either.
