Mile High Sticking
Fansided

5 under-the-radar trades the Colorado Avalanche should explore

By Kyle Marshall

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 19: Cale Makar #8 of he Colorado Avalanche fights on the boards against Ivan Barbashev #49 of the St Louis Blues during the first period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Ball Arena on May 19, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 19: Cale Makar #8 of he Colorado Avalanche fights on the boards against Ivan Barbashev #49 of the St Louis Blues during the first period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Ball Arena on May 19, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching (3 p.m. Eastern on March 3rd), and it’s still a wonder as to what the Colorado Avalanche may do this year. Last year saw quite a few big moves with the additions of Arturri Lehkonen and Josh Manson, plus shipping out fan-favorite Tyson Jost.

Since the beginning of the 2022-2023 campaign, the Avs have been linked to some big names like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Sean Monahan, or even Ryan O’Reilly to help them run it back this season. However, with a cap-strapped roster and players (Landeskog) hopefully coming off LTIR before the playoffs, the Avs realistically can’t afford too many superstar adds this season. I also firmly believe Colorado shouldn’t make a splashy trade this season.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t players rumored to be on the block that could step right in and contribute to the Colorado Avalanche this year. (Welcome back, Matt Nieto!) Here are a few moves I think would be under-the-radar adds for the burgundy and blue and help them reach the Stanley Cup Finals for a second year in a row.

Ivan Barbashev from the St. Louis Blues

The Blues’ glory days may be behind them, which could mean a massive retool of their roster. Currently, they are sitting at sixth in the central and three spots out of a wildcard playoff spot. While Ryan O’Reilly is the big name everyone keeps saying will be moved before the deadline, he carries a pretty hefty contract. I’m just not sold on the idea of a reunion in Colorado.

Ivan Barbashev, however, interests me immensely. While he’s a pending UFA, he carries an incredibly low contract at $2.25 million, and as a bonus, plays center. Barbashev is a guy that could give us some flashy scoring ability while also playing gritty hockey at 6’1” and 195lbs and be an answer for a 2C position that the Colorado Avalanche haven’t fully addressed all season long.

Nicola Aciarri from the St. Louis Blues

Did I mention the Blues might be looking to retool? While older (31), Aciarri is another player that could answer some questions in the face-off dot. He sits at a 54 percent win rate on the draw and 18 points on the season. Also, at 5’10 and 209, he’s another player that could add some grit to the forward group for the Avalanche. Oh, and he’s sitting at only $1.25mill in terms of contract cost.

Vladislav Gavrikov from the Columbus Blue Jackets

Gavrikov is my dark horse candidate for many reasons. First, his $2.8 million contract. Second, his 6’3’’, 213lb frame. Third, he plays defense but can jump up in a rush if needed. As we know from last season’s cup run, the Colorado Avalanche defense looks mighty thin if a star guy goes down.

That’s still the case. Sure, Josh Manson and Bo Byram coming back into the lineup during the playoffs give Colorado depth on the blue line, but both have been unhealthy for a large chunk of this year’s campaign. Frankly bit, a deep run could take its toll on these boys. Vladislav is a big body on defense who isn’t afraid to mix it up in front of the net on a cheap contract. Bring him in and win.

Jesse Puljujarvi from the Edmonton Oilers

This one is my most fun “what if” trade idea. It’s no secret that Puljujarvi is having a terrible year with Edmonton. In 49 games played, he has 10 points, a -13, and 72 shots. Put plainly, the guy is a little snake-bit. That doesn’t mean the talent isn’t there, however. In those same 49 games, he has 99 hits, 17 takeaways, and 18 blocks. The 24-year-old is a smart and quick player that only carries a $3 million contract.

A change of scenery might do the kid some good, and if any coach could bring the best out of him after a terrible first half of the season, it’s Coach Bednar. Slot him into the 2nd or 3rd line and watch Jesse shine. He’s also rumored to be coveted by the Bruins, who could end up being a matchup for the Colorado Avalanche if they make it to the finals. Stealing the Bruins thunder on a trade would be a bit of pre-playoffs fun.

Luke Schenn from the Vancouver Canucks

Adding Schenn is a “we are trying to keep the core together while winning a cup this season” type of move. He’s 33 years old but tough and incredibly productive. It would most likely be a depth add for the Colorado Avalanche unless someone like Samuel Girard got moved out for cap space in which case Schenn could be a regular rotator in the lineup. At an $850k cap hit, he might be worth kicking the tires on in a trade scenario.

There’s obviously some wishful thinking and questions that come with exploring these trade pieces. For example, would the team be able to keep a guy like Girard or Compher, or does that money need to be moved out? Do we have anything of value given we’ve shipped off most of our picks and prospects through 2024? Those are fair questions but if anyone can get them answered and make a good low-key playoff depth move for this team, it’s Chris MacFarland and Co.

Home/Editorials