The Colorado Avalanche, despite the recent trade of Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, are reportedly gearing up for another deep playoff run. General Manager Chris MacFarland is expected to be active at the March 7th NHL trade deadline, looking to bolster the roster for a potential Stanley Cup run. Rumors indicate the Avs are prioritizing depth on their third defensive pairing and additional forward firepower.
Avalanche’s Trade Deadline Targets: Defense and Forward Depth
According to NHL insider Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, the Avalanche currently possess over $4.76 million in projected trade deadline cap space. This financial flexibility gives MacFarland the ammunition to make significant moves. However, a major question mark hangs over the team: the status of captain Gabriel Landeskog. Landeskog, who has been sidelined since the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022 due to multiple knee surgeries, is attempting a comeback. His $7 million AAV represents a significant cap consideration. Activating Landeskog would necessitate the Avalanche moving another player to become cap-compliant, a complex situation that MacFarland must navigate carefully.
The team’s approach at the trade deadline will likely provide a strong indication of Landeskog’s potential return this season. If the Avalanche become buyers of rental players, it could signal that Landeskog’s comeback is on hold, at least for the remainder of the current campaign. This would be a tough pill to swallow for Avs fans, but it might be the necessary move to maximize their chances this year. The Avs could target a veteran defenseman to solidify their bottom pairing, providing more stability and experience. Up front, they might look for a versatile forward capable of playing multiple positions, adding scoring depth and flexibility to the lineup. Names like David Savard and Brock Nelson have been whispered in league circles, though nothing concrete has emerged yet.
The Avalanche have shown a knack for identifying undervalued players and turning them into key contributors. This year’s trade deadline presents another opportunity for MacFarland to showcase his talent for roster construction. The next few weeks will be crucial as the Avalanche front office weighs their options and decides on the best path forward.
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