The Colorado Avalanche have one of the most complete teams in the NHL, injuries notwithstanding. Yes, I’ve also suggested the Avs might need an enforcer type to keep some of the more unruly players at bay moving forward.
But beyond some with keen pugilistic abilities, the Avalanche don’t really need to add much. There is always the need for depth. But that shouldn’t go beyond a forward or two, and another blueliner.
One comment, by Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, suggests the Avalanche could be looking to target a center at the trade deadline.
A center?
Kypreos wrote the following in a January 7 piece:
“We know the Colorado Avalanche — with just four regulation losses in 42 games — are going to buy and will be trying to acquire depth at centre. But they have cap space issues and today are projected to have $3.122 million in deadline day space.”
Well, the Avalanche seems pretty solid down the middle. Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson have become one of the best one-two punches in the NHL. Jack Drury has been fantastic 3C. So, would that mean the Avs are targeting a 4C?
There’s been a bit of a revolving door at that position this season. We’ve seen Drury play that role. Zakhar Bardakov has gotten a look. So has Parker Kelly.
As such, if Kypreos means a 4C or someone who could play both center and wing as “depth,” then he may be right. Anything beyond that could be a challenging proposition. The market for centers is at an all-time low in terms of supply. And several teams are doing their best to land one.
Potential centers Avalanche could target
As for who the Avalanche could target, that’s a tricky question. The thought would be that a veteran center with some playoff experience would be ideal. This player would have to be someone who could step into a bottom-six role, but potentially move up the lineup if need be.
Such a player would have to be ready to step in if, say, Drury went down. If, heaven forbid, something should happen to MacKinnon or Nelson, said player could also move up the depth chart.
That’s why naming a specific player is a tough task. But one name does fit the bill. That’s the Calgary Flames’ Blake Coleman. Coleman is a two-time Stanley Cup champ and has the ability to play center and wing. He’s got a $4.9 million cap hit, which is not cheap, but not prohibitive.
Unfortunately, half of the league is also after Coleman. That’s why it’s fair to assume the price tag would be exorbitant for him.
Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner is another name that’s floated around in the last couple of weeks. Jenner landed on The Athletic’s trade board, suggesting he could be on the move. While he doesn’t have the playoff pedigree that Coleman has, Jenner could be the sort of complementary piece the Avalanche could use.
Jenner’s $3.75 million cap hit is certainly manageable. It’s worth pointing out he’ll be a UFA this summer, potentially making him a rental.
There are other alternatives out there that GM Chris MacFarland could be looking at. But as far as adding another center, it might not be the craziest idea we’ve heard all season long.