The Colorado Avalanche were rumored to be answering the phone regarding a potential Valeri Nichushkin trade to free up cap space. With a cap hit of $6.125 million in each of the next four seasons, it made sense.
In my opinion, that has changed. There are other potential moving parts across the Central Division. Connor Hellebuyck is the big name that has recently started to float around. There’s no way that, if he gets traded, he would be sent to another Central Division team. Heck, it would even be shocking if he ended up back in the Western Conference if he’s moved. If that were the case, it would be interesting to see how he fared, given that Hellebuyck would still have to face the Avalanche three times, with a potential fourth game (conference game).
Another tidbit that is making the rounds on Sunday is Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars.
David Pagnotta posted on X on Sunday that Robertson could also be moved out of the Central Division. Pagnotta suggested that the Ottawa Senators, who just traded Brady Tkachuk, could be in play for Robertson, who is expected to hit restricted free agency.
The Central Division could have an earthquake of moves heading its way. If Hellebuyck and/or Robertson get moved, depending on what for, the Avalanche could figure that they have an even better chance of dominating the Central Division.
If Hellebuyck and/or Robertson stay in the Central Division, perhaps the Avalanche would want to look at acquiring more talent. That may mean that trading Nichushkin would be on the table. Don’t get me wrong: Nichushkin is a helluva player. He fits extremely well with the Avalanche. But, if we are talking long-term, dumping his salary could be in play.
Like I’ve said, I don’t think that Nichushkin will be moved. That’s just a gut feeling. It would make sense for the Avalanche to move him only if division rivals continue to stock up with talent. But keeping Nichushkin might make more sense, even with his high cap hit, if teams around the Avalanche seem to be getting weaker. If they do end up moving Nichushkin, what the Avalanche get in return would be the counteract of what the other teams end up doing.
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