The post 7 Trade Targets That Could Solve the Avalanche’s 3C Hole (+) appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

The post 6 Trade Targets That Could Solve the Avalanche’s 2C Hole (+) appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

I filtered out most trades for a left-shot defenseman and I also got rid of any deal involving Seth Jones since he was dealt to Florida hours later. Here’s what’s left.

Let me know what you think about some of these offers. Which do you like the most? Which of my thoughts do you agree or disagree with?

Mock Trade from Brandon

Avalanche receive: Brandon Tanev (50% retained)
Seattle receives: Miles Wood, 2026 second-round pick

Aarif’s Thoughts

This is the type of move it would take to offload the Wood contract, but it’s got to be a team that feels like he could be valuable to them. I’m not sure Seattle is that team. I do like the route this offer is going, even if it would take an extra mid-level pick to get it done.

It reminds me of attaching Ryan Johansen to a first-round pick to get Sean Walker — a player who probably would’ve netted a lesser pick had it not been for the Johansen addition. The difference is that Wood is still an everyday player with some value.

Seattle could get that type of draft compensation without attaching Wood to the deal, though.

Who Says No: Seattle.

Mock Trade from Sasha Landprecht

Avalanche receive: Jake Evans, Joel Armia, 2025 third-round pick
Montreal receives: Ross Colton, Miles Wood, 2025 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick

Aarif’s Thoughts

If the Avalanche’s main goal is to offload both Colton and Wood’s deals, then this would be the way to go. You basically trade two guys who might not fit into your plans next year for a couple of players on expiring deals.

Evans is the best player in the trade and Armia is having a good year as a depth piece and would be fun to have in the playoffs.

At first glance, it does seem like a steep price to pay, mostly because the Avs would then not have a second-round pick until 2028. I wonder if the better route would be to trade Colton for a draft pick to a team that wants him and use that as the chip Montreal gets.

Who Says No: Colorado. But it wouldn’t upset me if they made this deal. I like it.

Mock Trade from Joe Cerwinske

Avalanche receive: Ryan O’Reilly
Nashville receives: Miles Wood, Oskar Olausson, William Zellers, 2026 fourth-round pick

Aarif’s Thoughts

Those who have followed me for long enough know how I feel about O’Reilly. I love everything about what that player brings to a team.

But this trade offer won’t cut it. It’s not even close. Olausson has zero trade value. I also don’t think William Zellers does anything for the Preds. Now you’re basically asking Nashville to take a bad contract and a fourth-round pick for a top-six center. And it’s the only top-six center they have.

Look at what Toronto traded to get O’Reilly two years ago. That was in a year where the centerman was struggling. It’ll take that and more to get him this year since he’s also not a rental.

If the Avs actually got O’Reilly, the trade, at first glance, would make a lot of fans feel like Colorado overpaid.

Who Says No: Nashville.

Mock Trade from Joe Cerwinske

Avalanche receive: Rasmus Ristolainen (40% retained)
Philadelphia receives: Sam Malinski, 2026 fourth-round pick

Aarif’s Thoughts

I like the player, but I don’t think this gets it done. The only way it does is if Philadelphia just simply wants to move on from Ristolainen.

Frank Seravalli reported last week that the Flyers aren’t getting any real offers for the blueliner and they’re a little surprised by that. If this is true, and if they just want his contract off the books, I wouldn’t be surprised if an offer like this gets it done.

I just don’t think it will.

Who Says No: Philadelphia.

Mock Trade from Mr. Trades

Avalanche receive: Rasmus Ristolainen, Scott Laughton
Philadelphia receives: Ross Colton, Josh Manson, 2026 first-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick

Aarif’s Thoughts

This is my favorite offer so far. The Flyers are reportedly asking for a first for Laughton, who makes $3 million for another season after this. So if that’s to be believed, then this offer is basically Colton, Manson, and a fourth for Ristolainen. The defenseman makes $5.1 million for two more years after this but the Avs would clear out $4.5 million for one year remaining on Manson and $4 million for two more years of Colton.

The only thing is, the Avs are giving up a lot for very little cap space. If Ristolainen is retained at 40%, then I can see this being more enticing. But this has the framework of a good deal for both sides.

Who Says No: Colorado.

Mock Trade from Mr. Trades

Avalanche receive: Ryan O’Reilly
Nashville receives: Ross Colton, 2025 second-round pick

Aarif’s Thoughts

It’s not enough. If Laughton is going to fetch a first, O’Reilly will require a first and more. Is Colton enough, with a first-round pick to get him? Maybe. But I still think they’d get a better offer from a team that isn’t also a division rival.

Who Says No: Nashville.

Mock Trade from Mr. Trades

Avalanche receive: Brad Marchand (30% retained)
Boston receives: Ross Colton, 2025 second-round pick

Aarif’s Thoughts

Same idea. Marchand would be a great addition, but Boston would get a lot more for him in another offer.

Who Says No: Boston.

Mock Trade from Mr. Trades

Avalanche receive: Yanni Gourde, 2025 second-round pick
Seattle receives: Ross Colton

Aarif’s Thoughts

Take out the second-round pick and we have a deal. Seattle gets a similar type of player with two more years at $4 million and the Avs get Yanni Gourdie for a playoff run, then salary cap to rework the depth in the summer.

Who Says No: We have a deal. (Without the draft pick)

Mock Trade from Kyle

Avalanche receive: Mario Ferraro, Nico Sturm, Fabian Zetterlund
San Jose receives: Sam Malinski, Miles Wood, 2026 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick

Aarif’s Thoughts

Way too much coming to Colorado for very little in return. If I’m San Jose, neither of the two roster players will help me. That means you’re getting four draft picks — albeit two higher ones — for three very valuable players. You could do better if you traded them each to a different team.

Most importantly, Zetterlund isn’t someone they want to move at all. And Ferraro is a left-shot defenseman who doesn’t have a spot on the Avs after the Lindgren addition.

Who Says No: San Jose. (But I commend you for being different)

The post Avalanche Mailbag: Mock Trade Thoughts — Can Avs Acquire O’Reilly and Ristolainen? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

It still feels like general manager Chris MacFarland is at a bit of a crossroads. The Mikko Rantanen trade felt like a move for the future more than this year’s playoff run when individually assessed. But given the long-term money going out with a star player of that caliber, it also sets the Avs up for an opportunity to swing for a player with term.

Do they find the right fit before the deadline?

READ MORE: Is This Avalanche Season Worth Saving?

There’s also an unsettled feeling among the forward group as a whole. This feels like the first time in a long time that several guys could be moved off the roster before the playoffs. Last year, the only forward that was traded around the deadline was Ryan Johansen. In 2023 there weren’t any and in 2022 Tyson Jost was moved.

This roster doesn’t quite have that stability. Will Casey Mittelstadt be traded? How about Ross Colton? Is this the last week of Miles Wood’s tenure with the Avs?

All three of them have term — but their production hasn’t matched their contracts.

With that being said, Trade Board Version 3.0 is here, 10 days ahead of the trade deadline.

(Forwards are listed first, then defensemen).

READ MORE: What Issues Plague the Avalanche Right Now? 

Brayden Schenn, C, St. Louis Blues

Age: 33

Contract: $6.5 million cap hit, UFA in 2028.

Brayden Schenn would be a gamble given his age and the fact that he has three more years remaining on his contract. But Schenn is one of Nathan MacKinnon’s closest friends and a proven winner with leadership qualities.

Acquiring him would change the dynamic of the Avs’ room — something desperately needed after several players admitted that team morale is low following the back-to-back losses coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break.  It’s also worth noting that MacKinnon hasn’t had a leader in the room that he looks up to since Erik Johnson left via free agency, Andrew Cogliano retired, and Gabriel Landeskog struggled with injuries.

Schenn provides that.

The Blues’ captain has 33 points in 58 games and is on pace for a second straight 46-point campaign. Have his numbers dropped because St. Louis isn’t as deep or because Father Time is catching up to him? It’s probably a bit of both. Figuring out which is a bigger factor is what MacFarland and the rest of the front office need to figure out if they go this route.

Ryan O’Reilly, C, Nashville Predators

Age: 34

Contract: $4.5 million cap hit, UFA in 2027.

For all the reasons Schenn makes sense, Ryan O’Reilly does not. His abilities, term remaining on his contract, and age are a perfect fit. He’s also got Stanley Cup pedigree, winning the Cup as Schenn’s teammate in 2019 while also winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The problem is, O’Reilly doesn’t have much of a relationship with Joe Sakic since the team and player went their separate ways a decade ago (can’t believe it’s already been that long). O’Reilly also doesn’t seem to be as close with MacKinnon as other former teammates. Given how this season has gone, and with Rantanen suddenly being sent away, chemistry with MacKinnon is crucial.

It’s too bad. O’Reilly fits exactly what the Avs need. Could you imagine a shutdown line with O’Reilly centering Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin? It would drive other teams absolutely bonkers.

I just don’t believe he’d ever want to come back here. Maybe things will change.

Brock Nelson, C, New York Islanders

Age: 33

Contract: $6 million cap hit, UFA in July.

This would be a very different approach to the trade deadline. Hear me out: What if MacFarland convinces Lou Lamoriello to accept Casey Mittelstadt as part of a package for Brock Nelson?

The Islanders veteran center would strictly be a rental and give the Avs the ability to reset this summer. Does it mean you ultimately have nothing left of the Bowen Byram trade tree just 14 months later? Sure, but it also opens up $5.75 million in cap space with a full offseason to find a better match for that 2C role.

Brad Marchand, LW, Boston Bruins

Age: 36

Contract: $6.125 million cap hit, UFA in July.

Bruins captain Brad Marchand is in the last year of his contract. We’ve seen Steve Stamkos move on after a lengthy tenure with Tampa Bay. We also saw O’Reilly get traded from St. Louis in his last year under contract with the Blues on the outside of the playoff picture.

Is this another example of that? Or do the Bruins see Marchand as a franchise legend who needs to finish his career with one team?

There’s no denying he’s an impactful playoff performer, even at this age. And the vibes and leadership he’d bring to a locker room should not be understated. He and a trio of Avs also had a great experience with Team Canada just last week.

Scott Laughton, C, Philadelphia Flyers

Age: 30

Contract: $3 million cap hit, UFA in 2026.

Feels like he’s brought up every year. Scott Laughton has another year remaining on his contract at a reasonable cap hit. Acquiring him would require the extra commitment from MacFarland in the sense that there would be a spot for him to remain in a top-nine role next season too. That means Wood or Colton would probably need to be included in a deal like this.

Laughton is a solid 35-40 point player who plays with an edge and would be a big addition to the PK. Bringing him in also means you’re committing to Laughton and Jack Drury as your bottom six centers. That’s not a bad route to take.

Lawson Crouse, LW, Utah Hockey Club

Age: 27

Contract: $4.3 million cap hit, UFA in 2027.

I was shocked to see how much Lawson Crouse has struggled this year. He has just eight goals and four assists in 57 games. It’s that bad.

But Crouse is coming off three consecutive strong seasons. He had 20 goals and 34 points in 65 games in 2022 before upping those numbers to 24 goals and 45 points in 77 games in 2023. Last season his production dipped a bit to 23 goals and 42 points in 81 games.

He’s a big body with a physical edge that can play in all situations.

Would the Avs and Utah both consider giving one of their guys a fresh start? If so, how about a 27-year-old Crouse making $4.3 million for two more seasons coming to Colorado for 28-year-old Colton, who is locked up for the same term at $4 million?

Yanni Gourde, C, Seattle Kraken

Age: 33

Contract: $5.1667 million cap hit, UFA in July.

Another pure rental. Gourde is the ideal third-line center who also has experience playing on the wing. Given the recent addition of Drury, the Avs could either shift Gourde to the wing or play him at center and Drury as 4C with Kelly getting moved to the wing.

Gourde’s been out since Jan. 2 with a lower-body injury but is skating again and is targeting March 4 as a return date, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. He wants to play before the deadline to help entice other teams to trade for him.

He has Stanley Cup pedigree and would instantly give the Avalanche more of that tenacity on the third line that translates well in the playoffs.

Gourde’s salary is a bit high but retention could do the trick.

Jake Evans, C, Montreal Canadiens

Age: 28

Contract: $1.7 million, UFA in July

Jake Evans would be a good addition to the bottom six at a manageable cap hit. I’d steer clear of signing him to an extension beyond that because it seems like this season has been an outlier compared to years past. But all that matters is the playoff run for a rental and he’d be a solid addition.

It just depends on how high the asking price is and how aggressive the Avs want to be for a clear-cut fourth liner.

Seth Jones, LD, Chicago Blackhawks

Age: 30

Contract: $9.5 million cap hit, UFA in 2030.

Seth Jones was added to Version 2.0 of the Avalanche Trade Board last month. Since then, he’s publicly stated that he’d like to be moved to a contender. But he knows as much as the rest of us that his contract makes it tricky

Would Chicago retain that much for that long? I’m not quite sure. But Jones is a right-shot defenseman who would slot in nicely next to Samuel Girard on the second pair and could play big minutes if you ever deal with injuries to your top three blueliners.

Maybe the Avs trade Josh Manson, or maybe he’s relegated to the third pair and stays there for one more season until his contract expires. When Colorado acquired Manson, it pushed Erik Johnson and his $6 million cap hit to the third pair for a playoff run and one more season. Perhaps the same thing happens to Manson here.

What would it take to get Jones? The Avs recouped some picks from Carolina in the Rantanen trade. They also have a select number of prospects aside from Calum Ritchie that could interest Chicago. Would they be interested in a forward too, like Colton? Or Wood? I’m sure Malinski would also be an easy throw-in here as well. Other teams will be in on this as well. I’m curious to see how strong an offer they get from elsewhere — if at all.

Jones at $9.5 million doesn’t make sense. But what if Colorado gets him for $6 million?

Rasmus Ristolainen, RD, Philadelphia Flyers

Age: 32

Contract: $5.1 million cap hit, UFA in 2027.

Rasmus Ristolainen is one of those players that the analytic darlings would steer clear of. But this season his metrics look better and he’s been rewarded with a four-minute jump in average ice time per game. Ristolainen has molded over the years into a physical shutdown defenseman with a big body who plays on the PK, blocks shots, and can give you 20+ minutes per night.

Would the Avs acquire him at $5.1 million? Probably not. But a bit of retention could make him another one of those perfect fits who could alternate between the second and third pairs with Manson. It would also be the second straight season that the Avs turn to Philadelphia for a right-shot defenseman.

The Avs have a track record of developing these types of players into efficient stay-at-home defensemen. Look no further than Jack Johnson (in a lesser role), who was on the tail end of his career and had already been bought out by another team when the Avs brought him in on a PTO. They turned that player into three playoff runs.

Mario Ferraro, LD, San Jose Sharks

Age: 26

Contract: $3.25 million, UFA in 2026.

How about a longer-term pickup on the blue line? Unlike the other options, Mario Ferraro is under contract for another year after this season at a very manageable cap hit. He’s a minute-munching defenseman who plays a physical game and on the PK.

He’s also a left-shot defenseman, which means Girard would need to shift to the right if Ferraro was to be a part of the top four. He’d be a great fit on the third pair.

It would also be fun to bring him in because he played with Cale Makar on the top pair at UMass. He’s also a big personality and has the type of leadership qualities the Avs would love.

David Savard, RD, Montreal Canadiens

Age: 34

Contract: 3.5 million, UFA in July

Another piece of the 2021 Tampa Bay Lightning, David Savard has a Stanley Cup and is built for playoff hockey in a depth role. The biggest question with him is, does he still have it? Or would this be the defensive version of the Lars Eller trade two years ago?

Savard has seen his ice time drop to 18:07 per game with the Montreal Canadiens this year after playing at least 20 minutes per night for each of the previous five seasons.

He’s another right-shot defenseman and could slot in on the third pair and probably wouldn’t cost much.

Matt Grzelcyk, LD, Pittsburgh Penguins

Age: 31

Contract: $2.75 million cap hit, UFA in July.

Like Savard, Matt Grzelcyk could be an easy-to-acquire low-cost rental to shore up the Avs’ bottom pair — which could definitely use some help.

Honorable Mentions

• Sam Bennett, C, Florida Panthers — Is this one a bit of a dream pickup? Yes, of course. But after the Avs chose long-term certainty over keeping Rantanen as their own rental, I can’t help but ting other teams might do the same thing. Bennett is a UFA this summer and could be one of those guys Colorado targets if the Mittelstadt-for-Nelson scenario happens. The Florida Panthers are still hoping to re-sign him, though.
• Mathieu Olivier, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets — The perfect fourth liner for any team that wants to play a physical brand of hockey. He’s got offensive upside too.
• Nick Bjugstad, C, Utah Hockey Club — He was an offensive force in Arizona last year but that didn’t transition with the relocation to Utah quite as well.
• Ian Cole, RD, Utah Hockey Club — If Utah is still in the playoff race, they probably won’t want to unload a piece like this. But Cole has been pretty solid over the past three seasons and has familiarity with the organization. I’ll always remember how the 2021 Avs never recovered from trading Cole so early in the year. He was sorely missed and later replaced by Manson.

Removed from Trade Board

• Ivan Provorov — With Columbus well within the wildcard hunt, I find it hard to believe they’re still interested in trading Provorov. They’re also interested in re-signing him and continue to negotiate an extension. Perhaps a fall from the playoff race would change things.
• Rasmus Andersson — He was previously listed in the honorable mentions section for this exact reason: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy has made it clear that the blueliner is among a group of three veterans he will not be trading this year.

Traded off the Board

• J.T. Miller, C, Acquired by NY Rangers (from Vancouver)
• Mikael Granlund, C, Acquired by Dallas Stars (from San Jose)
• Morgan Frost, C, Acquired by Calgary Flames (from Philadelphia)
• Marcus Pettersson, LD, Acquired by Vancouver Canucks (from Pittsburgh)

The post NHL Trade Deadline 2025: Desperate For Depth Scoring — Avalanche Trade Board 3.0 appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — January 12.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Winnipeg Jets have hosted the Avs twice this season and Colorado couldn’t score in either game. Hellebuyck shutout the Avalanche again, blanking Jared Bednar’s club for the third straight (regular season) game dating back to last April.

Around the NHL

Alex Ovechkin: The Capitals captain scored on the empty net late against Nashville on Saturday to pull within 22 goals of passing Wayne Gretzky for the most in NHL history. Washington has 39 games remaining this season.

Saturday Headlines: Elliotte Friedman said during the second intermission of Hockey Night in Canada that Ryan O’Reilly, who doesn’t have trade protection on his contract in Nashville, is being given the respect to determine what he wants to do. This comes on the heels of season-long speculation that the former Avs center and Blues captain is on the move.

O’Reilly is in the second of a four-year contract signed with the Preds in July 2023.

“The Predators preference is to keep him because they want him to win,” the NHL Insider said. “However, they are going to at least consider it under two conditions. The offer has got to be something that really excites them. And it has to be something that O’Reilly agrees to.”

It doesn’t sound like things are inching towards a trade, but it’s something to certainly keep an eye on before the March 7 trade deadline. Especially if Nashville continues to struggle.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pens had an opportunity to gain ground in the wildcard race and instead got blown out by another team also fighting for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers were looking to take advantage of a struggling Boston team and instead fell in OT to the Bruins in perhaps one of the more exciting endings to a game all season.

Ottawa Hockey Now: The Sens signed Ridly Greig to a four-year contract extension on Friday. Here’s an evaluation of the terms of the deal, which locks him in with the other core forwards of the team.

It may not have been noticeable in the game against Pittsburgh, but, do the Sens have a goalie problem?

Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs took the Dallas Stars all the way to a shootout before falling 2-1. What a run they’ve been on. Also, Patrik Laine returned and had the lone Habs goal. And yes, it was another power-play goal.

San Jose Hockey Now: What analytics matter? Key Sharks’ micro-stats at mid-season.

The post Deen’s Daily: Is Ryan O’Reilly On The Move From Nashville? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

The Avs have started to string together a handful of solid games in a row and look to get back to .500 with a victory on Monday. Since Artturi Lehkonen returned to the lineup, Colorado has scored 12 goals in three games despite getting shutout in one of them. It started with a 6-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken before falling 1-0 to the NHL’s best Winnipeg Jets. In that game, the Avalanche were far and away the better team but couldn’t beat goalie Connor Hellebuyck. They followed that performance with a come-from-behind 6-4 triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes, ending their eight-game winning streak.

Alexandar Georgiev gets the nod in goal for the third straight game. He was exceptional against Winnipeg and was great in the first period against Carolina where Colorado was outplayed. Georgiev is looking for his first winning streak of the season.

Nashville has been a surprisingly slow team to start the season. After winning the offseason with the additions of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, and signing Brady Skjei to replace the departed Ryan McDonagh, the Predators were supposed to be one of the NHL’s must-watch teams. Instead, they’re dealing with chemistry issues, which is understandable, but they may have overplayed their winger additions without focusing enough on obtaining another top-six center to help Ryan O’Reilly.

Colton Sissons, who is currently their No. 2 center, has a goal and zero assists in 14 games. Tommy Novak was slotted in that spot to start the year but had just four points in 12 games before suffering an upper-body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day.

One of Nashville’s five wins came against the Avs — a 5-2 victory at Bridgestone Arena. That was the last game before Colorado welcomed back Lehkonen, who has helped the top line elevate their play at five-on-five and pushed other depth forwards further down the lineup.

READ MORE: Notebook: Do The Avalanche Finally Have Exciting Prospects Again?

Season Series

• Nov. 2 at Nashville Predators (L 5-2)
• Nov.11 vs Nashville Predators
• Dec. 14 vs Nashville Predators
• Feb. 22 at Nashville Predators

Avalanche Injuries

• Miles Wood (upper body, IR)
• Ross Colton (foot, 6-8 weeks)
• Jonathan Drouin (upper body, day-to-day)
• Gabriel Landeskog (knee, no timetable)
• Valeri Nichushkin (suspended, Returns Nov. 15)

Projected Avalanche Lines (subject to change)

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Mikko Rantanen
Joel Kiviranta— Casey Mittelstadt — Logan O’Connor
Ivan Ivan – Parker Kelly – Nikolai Kovalenko
Nikita Prishchepov — T.J. Tynan — Chris Wagner

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Samuel Girard — Josh Manson
Calvin de Haan — Sam Malinski

Alexandar Georgiev
Justus Annunen

READ MORE: What Will Change With Valeri Nichushkin in Avs Lineup (+)

Projected Starters (subject to change)

• Confirmed: Alexandar Georgiev (COL)
• Unconfirmed: Juuse Saros (CAR)

Upcoming Milestones

• Mikko Rantanen – needs 3 power-play goals for 100
• Nathan MacKinnon — needs 5 power-play goals for 100
• Devon Toews — needs 5 assists for 200
• Josh Manson — needs 8 games for 600
• Cale Makar — needs 8 goals for 100

How to Watch

The post Avalanche Game 16 vs Nashville Predators, Lines, Notes, & How to Watch appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

Roy did it because the Avs were loaded at center. They still had Paul Stastny in his prime, Matt Duchene was a big part of the team, and they had just drafted Nathan MacKinnon No. 1 overall. All four of them needed to play in the top six, which by the end of the season was the case. And O’Reilly was moved to the wing. But you knew it wasn’t going to last. O’Reilly was and still remains one of the best two-way centers in the NHL. And as effective as he could be on the wing, he’s a far more valuable piece up the middle. Just ask the 2018-19 St. Louis Blues.

The Avs are in a similar situation now but it’s not because they have an abundance of centers — they’re just missing way too many top-six wingers. Ross Colton was shifted to the wing early in the season and has remained there. In the past handful of games, he’s lined up on the top line alongside Mikko Rantanen and MacKinnon. It’s a position he’s familiar with and where he played in Tampa Bay. But ever since Colorado acquired him, head coach Jared Bednar instead moved him to center to replace J.T. Compher up the middle.

But after watching the last few games of Colton on the wing, I genuinely ask, have the Avalanche unlocked a secret weapon?

I’m not necessarily downplaying his effectiveness at center. But as the 3C center behind Casey Mittelstadt and MacKinnon, he’s not quite as effective in the middle, especially not for $4 million on a cap-strapped team. If he was Colorado’s No. 2 center, then sure, keep him there and use him on the wing only as needed. But as the 3C, I’d much rather see him on the wing.

There are so many things that seem to be unlocked in his game when he’s on the wing and playing with the stars. Even with Colton being a goal behind former teammate Nikita Kucherov for the most in the NHL, it’s not just the offensive production that sticks out in recent games. It’s the way he plays. It’s the forechecking, the mucking and grinding in the corners, and the added ability to show off his speed when he’s not handling centerman responsibilities. This was something Bednar broke down quite well following the victory against Anaheim late last week. And it’s worthy of a refresher.

“Part of Colton’s game, which makes him really good as a winger, is he likes to skate and move and keep a little momentum,” Bednar said. “He’s a terrific forechecker, physical, like he can get on the hunt more. When you play goal line to goal line, if you have to go back and help our D all the time and you’re stopped down there in the battles, it’s the wingers that are taking off and doing that skating. And you gotta work to try and keep up with them. And then you’re often f3 in the offensive zone. Well, part of his strength is being f1 or f2 and hunting the puck down and checking it back.”

Shifting Colton to the wing makes the Avs thin at center and I’m not sure I’d want Parker Kelly on the third line going into the playoffs. But if general manager Chris MacFarland can find some depth at the deadline and doesn’t get all of his injured wingers back, then Colton playing on the wing is their best option.

With a fully healthy lineup, your eight wingers are probably Mikko Rantanen, Valeri Nichushkin, Artturi Lehkonen, Jonathan Drouin, Gabriel Landeskog, Nikolai Kovalenko, Logan O’Connor, and Miles Wood. But if even one of those guys isn’t healthy, I’d much rather see Colton on the wing and a depth center at 3C. Even if it’s someone similar to Yakov Trenin.

Just something to keep an eye on as we inch closer to the trade deadline. And for now, let’s sit back and enjoy the goal-scoring machine No. 20 has become in recent games.

John Ludvig

The entire offseason was filled with chatter regarding the three defensemen the Avs signed after July 1. Whether it was Calvin de Haan, Erik Brannstrom, or Oliver Kylington, we all debated which of the three would have the biggest impact and likely play on the third pair with Sam Malinski when everyone is healthy.

We’re less than two weeks into the regular season, and the answer might be none of them. John Ludvig has been a pleasant surprise since he was claimed off waivers. And it kind of reminds me of when Colorado picked up Patrik Nemeth all those years ago and he became a good depth piece coming off the waiver wire.

If Devon Toews returns on Tuesday, I’d cast my vote for Ludvig to remain in the lineup and for de Haan to join Kylington in the press box. I’m just curious if Bednar sees it the same way. Ludvig has looked great lining up with Josh Manson and even added an assist on Sunday for good measure.

The post Notebook: Have the Avalanche Unlocked a Secret Weapon? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

He wanted nothing to do with that.

With the Colorado Avalanche, I put together my list of the top five goals in franchise history. I thought I had a pretty good list, but everyone has their own opinion, and that’s what makes it fun.

All that and more in this Wednesday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Ranking the Top Five Avalanche goals of all-time was not easy, but I gave it a shot. I’m pretty happy with my list, but when you limit it to just five goals, there will always be people that think you missed one or two. And the thing about lists like this is that no one is really wrong. It just comes down to what you value more. Some of the goals that I didn’t have room for were:

• Uwe Krupp’s Cup clinching goal
• MacKinnon’s G5 goal against St. Louis
• Kadri’s G4 winner against Tampa
• Sakic’s 3OT winner against Chicago in 1996

It was a fun exercise, and we’ll probably do more this month, as it’s not likely to get busy again anytime soon.

Nathan MacKinnon was rated 2nd among NHL centers by NHL.com. Not bad.

On Wednesday, I’m going to start a new series as we look forward to next year – Over/Under. And I’ll begin my next film room/analysis for Miles Wood.

Around The NHL

We already know there are a lot of NHL players that don’t want to go play in Canada.

You can add Radko Gudas to that list of players.

Gudas, who signed a three-year deal in Anaheim this summer, got offers from three Canadian teams. He didn’t consider them. Why? Well…

In an interview with @DenikSport, Radko Gudas said that he received offers from CGY & EDM & TOR. But he didn't want to play in Canada, especially in Toronto. He said the media pressure in the playoffs was crazy. He felt it even though he only played for Florida & not Toronto.

— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) August 2, 2023

Ryan O’Reilly said something similar this summer after signing in Nashville. He mentioned the media scrutiny as one reason he didn’t re-sign in Toronto.

That sort of media attention isn’t for everyone. Just goes to show how little Gudas wanted to do with the media up in Canada if he chose to sign with the Ducks, who will likely be bad.

National Hockey Now

Boston: Going to arbitration is usually not a fun process. The Bruins and Jeremy Swayman had to go to arbitration, and it’s something he never wants to do again.

San Jose: More details on how the Erik Karlsson trade went down.

Washington: Tom Wilson spoke about why he chose to re-sign with the Capitals. I’m sure the contract he was offered is a big reason why…

Montreal: Canadiens fans have so many questions that Marc can do a mailbag every week.

Nashville: Revisiting the five best David Poile trades.

Carolina: The Hurricanes front office has questions to answer.

The post Evan’s NHL Daily: Gudas Shuns Canada, Top Avalanche Goals Ever appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

That, and the latest NHL news and NHL trade rumors in your Colorado Hockey Now Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

Cale Makar was in a full contact jersey for the Avalanche at practice on Friday, and will travel with the team to St. Louis. Meanwhile, Josh Manson was a beast on Wednesday and impressed his coach in his return.

Henrik Lundqvist had really nice things to say on National television about Alexandar Georgiev, so I talked to the Avalanche goaltender about what that means to him, his relationship with Lundqvist, and more.

Around the NHL

I do believe Ryan O’Reilly was a target for the Avalanche, but he’s no longer on the board. He’s been traded to Toronto.

National Hockey Now

Boston: Are the Bruins out when it comes to a trade for Patrick Kane?

San Jose: The Hurricanes are rumored to be after Timo Meier, so what should the Sharks be looking for in return?

Vegas: The Golden Knights are missing a net front presence. Could they find on in a trade?

Philadelphia: James van Riemsdyk is drawing interest from a lot of teams, all of which are in the Western Conference.

Washington: The Capitals would love to sign Dmitri Orlov, but they’re not close to an extension at all, and term appears to be the issue.

Calgary: Jonathan Huberdeau‘s agent went off on Darryl Sutter on social media.

Montreal: Sean Monahan put on a regular jersey at practice for the Canadiens. Good news for them, as they want to move him soon.

The post Evan’s Daily: Ryan O’Reilly Heads to Toronto, Makar Nears Return appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

That, and the latest NHL news and NHL trade rumors in your Colorado Hockey Now Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

We released our first Avalanche trade board here at CHN.

Yesterday afternoon, the Avalanche waived Brad Hunt, in a somewhat surprising move.

The Avalanche went into Florida and beat the Panthers, but may have lost Erik Johnson in the process.

Andreas Englund stepped up with the injury to Johnson, and J.T. Compher continues to have the best season of his career.

National Hockey Now

Boston: While the Kings appear to be the frontrunners for Jakob Chychrun, the Bruins are still in it.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins went into Los Angeles and got blown out.

Vegas: Big news out of Vegas, as Logan Thompson is now week to week with an injury.

Los Angeles: Adrian Kempe dropped four goals against the Penguins in the Kings win.

Washington: Old friend Darcy Kuemper was huge for the Capitals, as they went into Boston and took down the Bruins.

New York Islanders: It’s not good when you make a big trade and go out and lose to a team trying to lose.

The post Evan’s Daily: Avalanche Trade Board, Chychrun Trade Imminent? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.