John-Michael Liles in a No-Win Situation?

A few years ago Avalanche fans, the media and management, in other words everyone, couldn’t stop talking about the speed and scoring ability of the Avs young defenseman.  JM Liles was going to be the new Sandis Ozolinsh.  Who cared if his defensive skills were… shall we say, average?

Eventually people care, especially after a player gets a nice fat contract of $4.2 million.  Liles got a honeymoon with the press and the fans, but soon there was talk that Liles needed to step up the defense and even the physical play.  He did.  Liles takes guys to the boards and does his best to play sound defense.  I don’t think anyone expects him to be Adam Foote or Ryan Wilson, that’s not his game.  But there’s no argument that he picked up the defense.

Along comes Avalanche coach Joe Sacco and young gun, Kyle Cumiskey. 

After the stunning goal by Cumiskey just nine seconds into OT against the Thrashers, Joe Sacco said,

“We encourage all our ‘D,’ when the opportunity is there, to join the rush and support the attack, even more so with a guy like Kyle because of his speed, I think he’s getting more confident, gaining more confidence to know when to go and when not to go. He has to join the rush to help us out on the back end.”

In twelve games since the start of the New Year, Liles has ten points including a seven point streak over five games. 

Cumiskey has seven points, total in more game since the start of the year.

John-Michael Liles was a healthy scratch for Wednesday’s game, the third game in a row, fourth time in the past six games.

The trade talk surrounding Liles is hot and heavy in this town, and understandably so, why is he being benched so consistently?

 Why is Liles in the dog-house with Sacco?  What does Cumiskey add to this team that Liles doesn’t?

Or maybe the question needs to be turned around.  What does Liles add to this team that Cumiskey doesn’t?  How about $3.5 million more to the cap?