The Colorado Avalanche have been one of the NHL's biggest movers-and-shakers in the trade market this season. But the question now is, are the Avs done making trades?
The Colorado Avalanche have been arguably the NHL's biggest mover-and-shaker on the trade market this season, completely making over their goaltending, and of course, making the biggest blockbuster deal of the year when they dealt star winger Mikko Rantanen to Carolina. But as the NHL's March 7 trade dealine approaches, the question arises -- are the Avs done making moves?
The short answer to that is 'no'. The slightly longer answer is 'hell, no'. Colorado GM Chris MacFarland has approximately $3.98-million in salary cap space, and we expect he'll use just about all of it to improve his team's chances at a lengthy Stanley Cup playoffs run.
For starters, the Avs need assistance at center. Ideally, MacFarland would prefer a high-level veteran pivot -- the Islanders' Brock Nelson, perhaps? -- to slot into the second-line and push Casey Mittlestadt firmly into the third line. But if the prices are too high, a third-line center like Seattle's Yanni Gourde would be a more affordable option. But it's clear the Avalanche can't stand pat in terms of a center upgrade, as the rest of the Central Division will almost assuredly be adding talent before the deadline, and Colorado has to keep up with the Joneses. And if there are third-line or fourth-line wingers with playoff experience, the Avs might take a gamble on them as well
But the Avs shouldn't be done there. MacFarland also is likely to be interested in acquiring a depth defenseman to either play on Colorado's third defense pairing, or to serve as defensive insurance to guard against injuries or sub-par play.
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To address that issue, a veteran like Anaheim's Brian Dumoulin, or Montreal's David Savard, could be the answer for the Avs. Both Dumoulin and Savard would demand a high price on the trade block, but each of them would be terrific fits on Colorado's third pair -- and if there are any injuries to one or more of the Avalanche's top-four D-men, Savard or Dumoulin could step in and provide experienced help where needed.
We know the Avs are done making moves to land a goalie. But in the battle to improve and keep pace with the rest of the NHL's true Cup contenders, Colorado has to see what more they can add to the lineup. There's probably a hefty price they'll have to pay to acquire a big fish, but the alternative -- staying with the roster they currently have -- doesn't inspire confidence they'll be able to outplay and outlast the legitimate frontrunners for a championship.
