The Colorado Avalanche has signed veteran and fan favorite Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (PEB). Now this is a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with a hope of earning a contract. Why is this significant? PEB is a name that fans are familiar with and played for two seasons with the Avalanche already (2019–2021). PEB has made a couple of stops since the Avalanche, including the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Seattle Kraken. Here, I will go over what the Avalanche may think about the PTO signing of Pierre-Edouard Bellemare.
We have invited Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to training camp on a Professional Tryout (PTO). #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/E4JAnT1MLg
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 11, 2024
Situational
PEB has a proven track record of being a great penalty killer. Colorado has had some recent struggles with the penalty kill, so why not bring him back? This could be less time that Cale Makar will have to spend on the ice, so that would be even better.
The fourth line has some question marks on it. PEB could offer some forechecking power and a little of offense to mix. When he was with the Avalanche in his prior stint, PEB provided 22 and 11 points playing on the fourth line. Also, the salary cap will be an issue throughout the season for Colorado. IF PEB signs a contract, they could get him on the cheap, possibly around the league minimum mark.
bruins @ avalanche 10/10/2019
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (2nd of season)
(31st of career) pic.twitter.com/fRmgPZH9De
— random avs goal every day (@avsgoaleveryday) November 8, 2022
Could this be just for training camp?
One thing that came to mind right away for me was, could this be just for training camp? In the six games that the Avalanche play, they have to suit so many veterans (see section 15.4-c of the CBA). Could the Avalanche be bringing on PEB to avoid having to play their part of the roster in camp?
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare with a GORGEOUS one-time shot! 3-1 Avalanche!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/7Svla0xpgx
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) April 1, 2021
Conclusion
PEB has always had one thing that young players seem to lack these days. He has a personality. PEB is a known prankster in the locker room and loves to play around during warm-ups to lighten the mood. The Avalanche may just need this back at the beginning of games to help them go into games with a better mindset. The salary cap will be tight, but the penalty kill needs a PEB back in it.
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare was crushed to find out they won’t actually be playing on Lake Tahoe… pic.twitter.com/VGrU4ydtZs
— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) January 12, 2021