In the wake of Elliotte Friedman’s revelation on his “32 Thoughts” podcast about Artturi Lehkonen’s significant injury that could see him out of the lineup for months, the Colorado Avalanche are reportedly seeking to reinforce their depth in scoring.
The Avs, standing at a commendable 2nd in the Western Conference’s Central Division with an 11-6-0 record, find themselves confronting a challenging situation.
The loss of Lehkonen, who is on a 5-year contract with the team worth $22,500,000, including a guaranteed amount and an annual average salary of $4,500,000, is a significant blow to their offensive capabilities.
The ability to have players beyond the top line contribute offensively, is crucial, especially come playoff time. It helps in balancing the scoring load and mitigating the impact of injuries to key players like Lehkonen. The Avalanche, already strong contenders, could become even more formidable with the right additions.
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Exploring Potential Trade Targets for the Avalanche Following Lehkonen’s Injury
But who are the potential targets? The Avalanche might look towards players who can fit seamlessly into their system, providing both offensive prowess and the ability to play a two-way game. They may also consider the salary cap implications, seeking players on expiring contracts or those with a manageable cap hit, to maintain financial flexibility.
Trade candidates could come from teams looking to rebuild or offload salary. Players from underperforming teams who could benefit from a change of scenery might also be on the radar. The Avalanche’s management, known for their astute moves, will likely explore a range of options before making a decision.
The Avs have a history of making impactful mid-season moves, and this season could be no different.
