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Martin Kaut Is Back

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Martin Kaut

Despite his team scoring six goals last night and despite his team having a 2-1-0 record, Jared Bednar hasn’t seemed all that happy with his team – some of the forwards in particular. Lines 2-4 have shown some spotty play, especially with turnovers and soft plays, and that’s a Cardinal Sin with Bednar.

Today, the Avalanche sent youngster Ben Meyers to the Colorado Eagles and recalled Martin Kaut. Forward Lukas Sedlak also was put on waivers. If he clears, he could be assigned to the Eagles as well.

In case any Avalanche fans were still under the illusion to the contrary, Jared Bednar is a very tough coach. He just does not tolerate anything less than 100 percent effort, especially with play away from the puck. If he thinks a player isn’t checking hard enough, either on the forecheck or in the other two zones, they’re going to hear about it. Or, not be in his lineup for a while. I’m not saying Meyers and Sedlak were/are his two whipping boys in this department. There might be more – and we might see some other lineup machinations for Wednesday’s game with Winnipeg at Ball Arena.

If any player in the organization knew this already, it’s Martin Kaut. He hasn’t been able to stick with the Avalanche for any serious length of time, but now he’s got another chance. Kaut scored two goals and assisted on another in the Colorado Eagles’ first two games. We’ll see what line he plays on Wednesday – assuming he’s in the lineup.

Meyers scored a goal in last night’s game, but it still wasn’t good enough to warrant sticking around. He only played six minutes, six seconds in the game, with two Corsi events for, six against. Sedlak had similar numbers, minus the goal. Bad Corsi numbers are something that will get you in trouble with Bednar, especially when you’re an unproven player.

Is Bednar overreacting a little based on worry of a “Cup hangover?” In this kind of personnel issue, not for me to judge. He’s the better judge that me on this. He’s certainly sending a message to his young prospects, though, that anything less than full-out effort won’t be tolerated. It’s Kaut’s turn to see this, firsthand, again.

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