John Michael Liles scratched again, subject of trade rumors
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.
He’s still a great captain for the Power Play, but only because his defensive responsibilities are taken out of the equation. He’s basically a very good forward that plays from the point in the offensive zone and gets lost or beat on defense too often.
I don’t see a great fit for him among potential trade partners, but he does have a rather unique skill set. You would think that a good defensive team like Calgary or New Jersey could afford to shuttle him out on the third defensive line and on the Power Play. I want to see him do well, but it’s become apparent that it’s not gonna happen here.
In response to what this last perso has said I’d like to ask… Has he had enough time to prove himself?
He’s been scratched alot because some of the bigger defenseive guys are getting better and getting off of injuries. He’s a great player and while he’s on the ice hes great.
Also, haven’t you noticed some of the ‘bigger and better’ players are stepping thier game down a bit so that the new rookies have a chance to show themselves. Look at the charts, the new guys are dominating them. Also many players, including Liles, are doing things that don’t exactly get thier names on score sheets or news paper titles but help alot on the ice. Hes cleared alot of pucks off our ice and blocked plenty of shots. He also has a two way game which makes him quite valuble. I’ll be sad if #4 leaves the team and who ever gets him is getting a terrific player.
The fact is that he has the third highest salary on the team and doesn’t stand to get enough ice time to justify the hit. His value to the team is higher as trade bait than as a fifth defenseman playing limited ice time.
And for what it’s worth, I think John-Michael could be an outstanding player in the right system. He needs the right defensive partner (a stellar defensive-defenseman) and the right team dynamic to thrive because he is such a specialist. But I don’t think he’ll ever fit Sacco’s mold for defenders well enough to reach his potential here.