The Colorado Avalanche completed a few moves ahead of Friday's trade deadline, and Charlie Coyle, one of those joining the team ahead of Saturday's game, spoke to media members before a 7-4 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Coyle admitted his trade to the Avalanche came with mixed emotions, calling the move "bittersweet" in his first media appearance since leaving the Boston Bruins.
"I’m pretty excited. It’s kind of crazy how fast things change," Coyle said. "Playing for (my) team in Boston, it’s my hometown. I love being there, so it’s definitely bittersweet, but on the other hand, such a great opportunity here to join a really, really good team, and that excites me a lot."
Coyle, 33, has 23 points in 65 games this season and is in the fifth of a six-year contract he signed with the Bruins in November 2019. He will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Former Boston Bruins and new Colorado Avalanche center Charlie Coyle (13) reacts after scoring a goal.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
The veteran forward was part of a Bruins fire sale that not even captain Brad Marchand could escape and that also saw, among others, defenseman Brandon Carlo sent to Toronto.
Coyle, who recorded an assist in his Avalanche debut on Saturday, coincidentally had to face Carlo's new team.
The new Avs forward revealed that he traveled to Colorado alongside former Carlo, who was traded to the Maple Leafs.
"It’s just funny how it works sometimes," Coyle said. "He’s your teammate, one of your good friends, and the next night, you’re playing against them.
"It was good to just talk through [our] emotions … and kind of settle each other down, I guess."
Coyle got the better of Carlo on Saturday, with the Avs earning two points thanks to their win over Toronto.
