The Colorado Avalanche’s “Plan D” is proving to be a success. When coach Jared Bednar needs a player to join Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen on the ice, he has a specific set of qualities in mind. These include being a reliable defender, having the stamina to play long minutes with high intensity, displaying physicality and a strong desire to pressure the opposing team, and being a tough and competitive presence in front of the net. The top three candidates for this role are team captain Gabe Landeskog, Valeri Nichushkin, and Artturi Lehkonen, but unfortunately, none of them are currently available.
