Josh Manson from Anaheim Ducks
Josh Manson’s name had been in trade rumors for quite a while leading up to this trade. Manson was in the final year of a four-year deal and was almost certainly going to be moved at the 2022 deadline. So, the Avs sent 23-year-old Drew Helleson and a second-round pick to the Ducks for Manson. The Ducks retained half of his cap hit.
Manson instantly solidified the Avs’ backend, helping the club win the 2022 Cup. He had a tough 2022-23 season in which he only played 27 games. But then, Manson bounced back last season playing in 76 games. This season, he has been a solid presence on the Avs’ third pairing, producing 13 points in 43 games.
He’ll be a free agent at the end of this season. So, there’s room to wonder if he’ll re-sign in Colorado. He likely does, but that’s something that both sides should address in the summer.
As for Helleson, he’s only played in 31 games for the Ducks. He’s in the final year of his entry-level deal and will be a restricted free agent in the offseason. He has not played for the Ducks this year. It seems somewhat unlikely the Ducks will give Helleson a qualifying offer. So, he should become an unrestricted free agent if that’s the case.
The second-round pick turned into Carey Terrance for the Ducks. Terrance is a 19-year-old center currently playing in the OHL for the Erie Otters. He’s got 39 points in 45 games. Given the Ducks’ situation, Terrance could get a long look at camp next fall, though he likely plays in the AHL next season.
All told this trade is another home run for the Avalanche at the 2022 trade deadline. He’s hoping the 2025 deadline yields similarly franchise-altering deals.