The Colorado Avalanche, like virtually every contender in the NHL this season, will be looking to add at the trade deadline. However, the Avs don’t have quite as many options available to them. That’s due to Colorado’s relative lack of trade chips and evident lack of cap space.
That said, the Avalanche could still add to its depth, particularly in the forward group. And one such option could be a Calgary Flames forward.
No, we’re not talking about Nazem Kadri. No matter how much pundits like Darren Dreger believed Kadri would be interested in a reunion with the Avalanche, the Avs won’t pay up for Kadri.
The former Avalanche forward is hot on several teams’ radars. As such, the price is believed to be high. And that’s a price the Avalanche won’t be looking to pay. But there’s another Flames forward not named Nazem Kadri who could fit the bill.
That forward is Ryan Lomberg.
Lomberg is the prototypical bottom-six forward that all contenders need. The 31-year-old won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024, playing on the Cats’ fourth line. He chipped in with some scoring, while his grit and physical play were crucial in the Panthers’ first Stanley Cup victory.
That’s the sort of profile the Avalanche could use.
Lomberg has scored three goals and seven points in 45 games this season. That’s not really much to write home about. But then again, the Avalanche won’t need Lomberg to light up the score sheet. What they will need is a consistent player who can chew up about 10 minutes a night, keeping the opposition honest.
How Lomberg fits into the Avalanche’s lineup
Unlike Kadri, the Avalanche have a natural spot for Lomberg. Lomberg could be a solid fit on the Avalanche’s checking line. Assuming that Logan O’Connor could return at some point, Lomberg would partner with Parker Kelly to make up one of the grittiest checking lines in the NHL.
Now, it should be pointed out that the Avs would most likely prefer a center over a winger. But in the absence of a true center, Lomberg would fit in just fine.
Another positive for Lomberg is that he could slide up into the third line if need be. A third line of Jack Drury, flanked by Lomberg and Kelly, wouldn’t be the wildest idea in the world.
Of course, the return of Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin would likely push Lomberg and Kelly to the fourth line. But that’s the virtue of having a deep roster.
The best part is that acquiring Lomberg shouldn’t be an expensive proposition. A draft pick or a mid-tier prospect might get the job done. Lomberg also comes with a $2 million cap hit. He’ll be a UFA at the end of this season, making him a reasonable rental.