The Colorado Avalanche are set to hit the Olympic break without a significant trade looming. That’s all right, considering the club doesn’t really need to make a splash this season. The Avs are in a good place, even if the doldrums of the winter months have taken some of the sheen off the club.
That said, the upcoming trade deadline could offer a good opportunity to add depth. One of the areas that could use a boost is the blue line.
Last season, the Avalanche splurged somewhat on a trade with the New York Rangers. Colorado landed Ryan Lindgren, who was on an expiring contract. Lindgren played well enough, but ended up signing elsewhere during the summer.
This time around, an interesting name that could hit the trade market is Boston Bruins’ blueliner Andrew Peeke. Insider Chris Johnston believes that the Bruins may be willing to move Peeke at the deadline this season. That wouldn’t be surprising as he’s an impending UFA and may look for a hefty raise on his current $2.75 million cap hit. Still, Peeke is the sort of defenseman that the Avalanche could target as a depth option.
At the moment, the Avalanche have just six defensemen on the active roster. Devon Toews’ return has completed the back end, but certainly leaves room for another blueliner to round out the group. While Peeke is far too good to sit in the press box as a seventh defenseman, he’s the sort of player that could take some of the pressure off the current blueline corps. It’s unlikely that coach Jared Bednar will dress seven defensemen any time soon.
But then again, at what point does Bednar think it would be a good idea to assign days off on a rotating basis? Sure, the Olympic break will help give guys like Brent Burns, Sam Malinski, and Josh Manson some much-need time off. But when the puck drops following the Olympic break, the sprint to the finish will demand that contenders have depth moving forward.
Peeke could be great postseason option
The Avalanche are gearing up for a prolonged playoff push this season. The aim is to go all the way and compete for the Stanley Cup. As we’ve seen in the past, depth is crucial in allowing teams to go the full distance.
As such, adding a depth option like Peeke, especially with the ever-present prospect of injuries, is a move Chris MacFarland must consider, if it arises.
The key here will be to avoid a gross overpay. The Bruins will want to maximize their return on Peeke. That’s why the key for the Avalanche will be to avoid paying more than they should for the 27-year-old.
If the price gets too high, there are other depth options the Avalanche could pivot to.
Regardless of what the Avs do, the need for additional depth on the blue line is evident. That’s why fans shouldn’t be surprised to hear rumblings positing the Avs looking to add another depth option on the blue line.