Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
We often hear of players that could be facing a make-or-break season for their respective team. In the case of Colorado Avalanche netminder Semyon Varlamov, however, we could be seeing a make-or-break year for his career in North America.
Varlamov earned a big contract prior to the 2011-12 season with the Avalanche, following pretty big success as a backup with the Washington Capitals. It was a questionable move then, given how untested he was, and it’s a contract that looks even worse now.
The Avalanche are heading into a season where expectations within the organization may be higher, given the changes in the front office and behind the bench, but outside many are expecting the season to be just as bad, if not worse, than it was for the Avs last year.
Varlamov is coming off of a brutal season, in which his goals against average was up over three and his save percentage barely managed to stay over .900. That’s a followup from a first season in Colorado where he was just average, with a 2.59 GAA and .913 save percentage.
Heading into the 2013-14 season, it’s not a stretch at all to say that Varlamov is fighting for his future with the Colorado Avalanche. Another disappointing season, particularly under the tutelage of Patrick Roy, could spell the end for him in the Mile High City.
Of course, it’s difficult to say that it would be make or break for his career in the U.S. To a certain extent, his struggles are understandable, as he’s played behind an atrocious defense in two seasons with the Avs. Nonetheless, it’ll be tough for him to earn another starting job, if he doesn’t come through in a big way this season for the Avalanche.
