3 deals that made 2022 trade deadline the test for Colorado Avalanche in recent history
Andrew Cogliano from San Jose Sharks
On March 21, the Avalanche added 37-year-old veteran Andrew Cogliano from the San Jose Sharks for a 2024 fifth-round pick. The Sharks also retained $500K of Cogliano’s $1 million cap hit in the deal. Cogliano was on a one-year deal in San Jose and wasn’t getting very far. So, the Avalanche brought the wily vet in for essentially peanuts.
In 18 games during the regular season, Cogliano managed one assist. But it was in the playoffs that Cogliano made a name for himself. He played 16 games, scoring three goals and three assists, while adding a plus-5 rating.
But beyond the scoresheet, it was Cogliano’s leadership that made him a huge part of the Avalanche’s 2022 Cup run. He would play two more seasons with the Avalanche, registering 19 points in back-to-back seasons. He retired at the end of last season, heading into a front-office position with the team.
Cogliano will always be remembered for his grit and undeniable leadership. The pick, by the way, ended up getting moved twice more, with the New Jersey Devils and eventually Utah Hockey Club using it to select Ales Cech from the Czech Republic. It remains to be seen what impact, if any, this player has on the NHL.