After acquiring Casey Mittelstadt from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Bowen Byram, the Colorado Avalanche had high hopes for the 26-year-old center. Unfortunately, Mittelstadt has underachieved this season, making it increasingly clear that the Sabres got the better end of the deal. His struggles have sparked NHL trade rumors, with insiders suggesting the Avalanche may look to move him before the deadline.
Will the Colorado Avalanche Trade Casey Mittelstadt?
NHL insider Matt Larkin of The Hockey News reports that Mittelstadt has regressed into his underachiever mode after showing promise last season as a second-line center. His offensive production has stalled, and he has failed to make a significant impact with the Avs. Despite his struggles, Mittelstadt remains a skilled playmaker who could benefit a team in need of a middle-six center for the next few seasons.
The Avalanche are actively seeking defensive reinforcements, making Mittelstadt a prime trade chip. With the team’s blueline depth being tested this season, a move to acquire a reliable defenseman makes sense. If Colorado wants to make a deep playoff push, they must address their back-end issues sooner rather than later.
Possible Trade Destinations for Mittelstadt
Several teams could be interested in Mittelstadt, particularly those seeking additional depth at center. The Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and Winnipeg Jets have all been linked as potential landing spots.
Interestingly, Mittelstadt might become a backup plan for teams that miss out on Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens, who is expected to be a hot commodity at the NHL trade deadline. While Mittelstadt lacks the two-way dominance of Cozens, his offensive vision and playmaking skills could still provide value to a team looking for a low-risk, high-reward move.
Where Will Mittelstadt Land?
The Avalanche have a tough decision to make. If they want to strengthen their defensive corps, parting with Mittelstadt might be the best option. Whether it’s a struggling team looking for offensive upside or a playoff contender in need of depth, Mittelstadt’s availability could make for an intriguing trade storyline in the coming weeks.
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