Avalanche Trade Max Talbot To Bruins For Jordan Caron

After swapping minor leaguers earlier today, the Colorado Avalanche did something a bit more noteworthy at the last minute of the NHL trade deadline.

First off, I’d like to say that Maxime Talbot was the ultimate professional while in Denver. He was a pro on and off the ice, and even extended his home to Nathan MacKinnon during the season.

I think most Avalanche fans can agree that it is sad to see Talbot the person go. A bittersweet trade, to be sure.

That being said, I think that Talbot’s game has visibly slowed down this season. His quickness and aggressiveness on the puck and away from the puck isn’t what it was during his Pittsburgh days. Surprisingly, Talbot’s hands seem to be a little stoney this season as well, which has been really noticeable playing on Duchene’s wing.

Talbot also carries a $1.75M dollar cap hit with him into next season, so this frees up some dollars for the Avalanche to explore other options.

For the Avalanche, Jordan Caron is much younger, and has some upside. Caron is a former 1st-round pick, who hasn’t quite seemed to figure things out in Boston. Perhaps a fresh start in Denver will help him to find his game. Let’s take a closer look at the players involved in the deal.

Jordan Caron

Position: RW

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 204 lbs

Shoots: Left

Age: 24

Jordan Caron was taken late in the 1st-round in the 2009 NHL draft by the Boston Bruins. He has seen time with the Bruins as well as their AHL affiliate this season.

Caron hasn’t exactly torn it up offensively in his stints with Boston, but many have said that he just wasn’t a good fit in Boston and wasn’t being used properly.

He also has some good size as well, which is never a bad thing.

Best case, I think Caron projects into guy who can fill a similar role to what Jamie McGinn has brought to the Avalanche. A solid depth guy ideally suited for a third-line role, who can play well with better scoring forwards when given the chance.

Here’s a highlight of his scouting report from Hockey’s Future.

"A big, heavy, powerful forward with poise and defensive maturity beyond his years. Doesn’t play angry, but wins his battles and works hard for space. Has the kind of offensive game that complements scoring forwards well, driving the net, working the walls down low, and setting up in front of the net. Is well-above average as a net front presence, setting screens and getting his stick on pucks for deflections. His feet are a little heavy and he lacks an explosive burst, but he has good top speed and can stay out in front of backcheckers when he gets sprung for a breakaway. Boasts excellent puck protection skills and can bull his way to the net under duress while maintaining possession. Has a nose for the net and a hard, accurate wrist shot that he can get off quickly in tight spaces. Best asset is an extremely high hockey IQ."

Sounds like the type of forward the Avalanche are thirsty for, IF he can play up to that potential.

Max Talbot

Position: C/W

Height: 5’11″

Weight: 190 lbs

Shoots: Left

Age: 31

Talbot was a bit of a fan-favorite during his time in Denver. He is a hard worker, and professional of the ice.

The Avalanche are looking to revamp their bottom-six, and Talbot is one of the few players who had much value, which is why he is on the move.

Boston gets a veteran guy, who has been there and done that. Talbot scored a pair of goals in a Stanley Cup clinching game for the Penguins, and is a good mentor for young players.

He also is a proven penalty killer, which is valuable for any team with playoff aspirations.

I think most Avalanche fans know who Talbot is, and what he brings, so I won’t ramble on too much!

Grade

Overall, I give the Avalanche a B for this deal. I think Caron is a nice asset, and has good upside. He also has a decent chance of being a bit of a bust, but hey, that’s a risk you have to take sometimes.