Colorado Avalanche Notebook: Francouz Happy Here, Georgiev Reportedly Stayed Away From Russia

There was an interesting interview Colorado Avalanche goalie Pavel Francouz gave the other day to a Czech news outlet – iDNES.cz. Thanks to our friends at Eurolanche.com, led by David Puchovsky, we have some translated quotes from Francouz’s discussion. Some highlights:

• Francouz said he thinks he might have a more “equal” playing time split with Alexandar Georgiev than as Darcy Kuemper’s backup, and that he’ll be motivated to earn as much playing time as he can.
• Francouz shot down any speculation that he might have been unhappy over Georgiev coming here and being the presumed No. 1 guy. He said he couldn’t be happier with his situation with the Avalanche and “I know how the Avs took care about me when I was injured. They managed me the best treatment. (…) I prefer satisfaction and comfort more than money.”
• Francouz said the War in Ukraine is a “huge disaster”

Francouz to https://t.co/Rvbw7ZJa8P about the war in Ukraine: It’s huge disaster. Everyone from the team followed it. (…) Nichuskin was raised there and it was extremely unpleasantly to him. He didn’t know how to talk with guys. It’s unfortunate to blame all Russians. #Avs

— Eurolanche 🇺🇦 (@Eurolanche) September 13, 2022

• The same Czech outlet reported that Alexandar Georgiev stayed away from his native Russia this summer for fear the same thing might happen to him as did Flyers prospect goalie Ivan Fedotov, who was detained in Russia for allegedly dodging military service.

Still no word on when Evan Rodrigues will be in town. And, there is still no word on when exactly regular Avalanche training camp will start, or the roster. It takes some time for traded players, especially in the offseason, to get their affairs in order.

No word yet on when Colorado Avalanche players will get their Stanley Cup rings, but I imagine it won’t be any later than opening night. I’m sure those are going to be some sweet rings.

More informal practice video today from Brennan Vogt:

Olausson with two great passes to the front of the net here #GoAvsGo #Avs #EaglesCountry pic.twitter.com/Y53MjTK3wD

— Avs Territory (Brennan Vogt) (@AvsTerritory) September 13, 2022

Bowers tries to drive to the net in this one, has a little issue with puck control but recovers. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry pic.twitter.com/DGBmZmv5UU

— Avs Territory (Brennan Vogt) (@AvsTerritory) September 13, 2022

Georgiev getting some work on his glove. This will give you a little respect on how quick their wrist shots are. Vets are done. @ColoradoEagles are on next. #GoAvsGo #Avs #EaglesCountry pic.twitter.com/sytVEtbbTQ

— Avs Territory (Brennan Vogt) (@AvsTerritory) September 13, 2022

MacKinnon with a break away. Makar gets tripped up by Compher in this 3v2. #GoAvsGo #Avs pic.twitter.com/zofqetn9Pu

— Avs Territory (Brennan Vogt) (@AvsTerritory) September 13, 2022