Friday featured a frenzy of NHL trades that left fans with their heads spinning. While the Colorado Avalanche were uninvolved in the deals, the trades could have some bearing on the club this season.
In particular, the Quinn Hughes trade to the Minnesota Wild could have some implications for the Avalanche. Of course, with Hughes landing in the Central Division, that could change the power dynamic somewhat within the division.
So, let’s take a closer look at what these trades could mean for the Colorado Avalanche and the NHL as a whole.
NHL trades galore
Friday marked the first time this season that numerous trades have shaken the league. One of the most evident issues this season has been the lack of trade activity. It seems that will no longer be the case.
In total, three deals went down. First, the Edmonton Oilers acquired goaltender Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Then, the Oilers acquired depth defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Nashville Predators.
But the biggie was the Quinn Hughes trade that went down on Friday night. Just when it seemed like it would be a quiet evening, the trade board lit up with rumors of the trade. The deal was eventually confirmed, leading to a storm of talk, analysis, and criticism.
There could be more deals coming down the pipeline. It’s worth keeping in mind that there are about seven days left before NHL rosters freeze on December 20 ahead of the Christmas break.
Oilers pull off interesting goalie swap
The Edmonton Oilers have been among the most talked-about teams this season. In particular, the narrative has focused on their lack of stability in the crease. Just about every goaltender in the league has been linked to the Oilers at one point or another.
In the end, it was former Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry who got moved. In exchange, the Oilers sent Stuart Skinner to the Penguins. Edmonton also sent veteran defenseman Brett Kulak.
The trade doesn’t seem overly consequential for the Avalanche. However, one of the things I’ve pointed out is how the Oilers were looking to pull off the same feat the Avalanche did last season in overhauling their goalie tandem in-season.
Chris MacFarland deserves a ton of credit because he was able to pull the trigger without putting the team in a tough spot. The deals have worked out well and continue to pay off.
Avalanche have new resident rival
The Quinn Hughes trade turned out to be a shocker, not because he was traded, but because it was the Minnesota Wild who pulled it off.
Now, the Avalanche have a new resident rival in the Central Division. The Wild and Avalanche will feature a head-to-head matchup between the two best defensemen in the game right now.
Like the Oilers’ trade, the deal itself has no bearing on the Avalanche. But it could have serious implications indirectly. The power dynamic could shift among the teams chasing the Avs.
But, as long as Colorado continues to play the way it does, the trade shouldn’t impact the Avs directly. Now, I have pointed out that this deal could be a serious issue in the postseason. The Wild and Avalanche could be on a collision course, making a Hughes-vs-Makar playoff series something certainly worth watching.
Avs fans, keep an eye on the Wild. They could get a big bump from having Hughes in their lineup. While they may not catch the Avalanche, the Central Division race could get tighter.