The Colorado Avalanche could be adding a depth forward leading up to Friday’s trade deadline. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun speculates that the Avalanche, short of adding someone like Brock Nelson to complement their top six, could be looking to add a depth forward instead.
I have already discussed how Nelson is one move the Avalanche shouldn’t consider, even if Nelson looks good on paper. Instead, the idea of adding one or two depths forward, especially on cheap, expiring contracts could make sense.
One or two depth forwards would work, when considering the Avs could add a solid penalty killer and some grit. A couple of names I think could fit the bill would be Michael McCarron of the Nashville Predators or Luke Kunin of the San Jose Sharks.
These guys have grit, size, especially McCarron, and can play significant bottom-six minutes. Considering that the Avs are on a collision course with the Dallas Stars or potentially the Edmonton Oilers or Vegas Golden Knights in the first round, there is a definite need for depth down the lineup.
The cost to bring in a player of this sort could be a combination of draft picks or lower-tier prospects. My sense is that a team like Nashville may rather dump contracts and free up cap space to take a swing at a big name either at the deadline or the offseason.
As for Colorado, it makes sense to look into adding depth pieces. The Avs already made the big moves ahead of the deadline, so there should be no expectations for a major trade ahead of the deadline.
Colorado Avalanche done making big trades for now
The Colorado Avalanche are likely done making big moves this season. They already shook up their goaltending tandem, traded one of their best players, and secured defensive help. That leaves very few things on the to-do list.
Beyond adding depth forwards and perhaps a third-string goalie, there isn’t much left for Chris MacFarland to do leading into Friday’s deadline. Unlike other contenders such as the Florida Panthers, the Avs are in a solid position heading into the final month of the season.
While some fans may be wary of the team’s overall performance, it’s worth pointing out that the goal at this point is to make the playoffs. Once the Avs have their ticket to the dance punched, they’ll sort out the details regarding their postseason lineup.
In the meantime, the focus is on locking up a playoff spot, avoiding major injuries, and having the team gel at the right time. Now, I will say this: There’s a chance the Avalanche get hot at the perfect time. The team could coalesce during the last couple of weeks, making them one of the hottest teams heading into the playoffs.
When teams get hot at the right time, they can become a dangerous force regardless of who they play in the postseason.