Denver Cutthroats, Colorado Avalanche In Affiliation Talks

The Denver Cutthroats and Colorado Avalanche are discussing the possibility of forming an affiliation that would allow the Avalanche to put prospects on the Cutthroats' roster, According to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post. u The Central Hockey League team would act as another step in the feeder process for the NHL club.

Currently, the Avalanche use the American Hockey League's Lake Erie Monsters to develop their talent and replenish their roster as injuries hit. An agreement between the Cutthroats and the Avs would not change that relationship; the Avs' top prospects would still be assigned to the Monsters. However, the deal would provide the opportunity for Colorado to keep close tabs on their other prospects, specifically those who have moved beyond their development clubs but are not ready for the AHL.

Chambers reported that "the Avs, led by director of hockey opps Eric Lacroix, have taken the proposal to their lawyers and are considering a contract."

Brent Cullaton, assistant GM and director of hockey operations for the Denver Cutthroats, admits that he does not know which of the Avalanche prospects might be assigned to his team, but with the number of defensemen and goalies in the Avs' system, that might be the place it starts.