Colorado Avalanche ripped by analyst for “horrific” trade

The Colorado Avalanche were on the wrong end of some harsh criticism from a notable analyst. In particular, that criticism stems from the botched trade involving the Avalanche and the Buffalo Sabres.

We’re talking about the 2024 trade that sent Bowen Byram to the Sabres in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt.

At the time, the trade made sense for both clubs. The Sabres were looking to move on from a former eighth-overall pick who clearly needed a change of scenery. Meanwhile, the Avalanche dumped a former fourth-overall pick that just didn’t quite pan out as hoped.

The Sabres needed blueline help, the Avalanche needed a center. Makes sense, right?

Well, guess who won the trade?

That’s what analyst Craig Button chirped about during an appearance on Frankly Hockey posted on October 20. In the conversation with insider Frank Seravalli, Button had this to say about the Avalanche’s botched trade involving Mittelstadt:

“I think the Colorado Avalanche made a horrific trade moving Bowen Byram. They were trying to replace Nazem Kadri. I get what they were trying to do. Casey Mittelstadt was not the right guy.”

Button then expounded on his reasoning by stating:

“I’m going to be really straightforward. I’ve watched Casey for a long time. I don’t think it’s about Casey lacking skill. I think it’s about Casey lacking competitive spirit. So, if you want a player with a little bit of skill and can tease you a little bit, and doesn’t compete, Casey’s your guy.”

After hearing Button’s comments, I’m sure plenty of fans are touching the tips of their noses with their index fingers. The fact is that Mittelstadt, while certainly talented, didn’t provide the combination of skills that Kadri delivered during this tenure in Colorado.

Thus far, it seems like the Avalanche remain unable to replace what Kadri brought to the team. Yes, Brock Nelson is a highly skilled player, but he’s not quite that combination of grit and skill that Kadri brought to the table.

As Button concluded, if the Avalanche are interested in winning, as are the Boston Bruins, then staying away from Mittelstadt is a good idea. The Avalanche rolled the dice on Mittelstadt, gave him a hefty contract extension, and it just didn’t work out.

As for Byram, well, the Avalanche could certainly use Byram in their blue line now. Of course, it’s not like the Avalanche are in desperate need of defensive help. But wouldn’t it have been nice to have Byram step up in Colorado like he has in Buffalo?

Byram is a top-pair defender in Buffalo, while Mittelstadt, well, let’s just say he’s turned into a bit of a hot potato. The Bruins have been looking to move him, but there have been no takers so far. It’s too bad for Mittelstadt. Avalanche fans had high hopes for him. But such is the way of pro sports. Some players live up to the hype and others do not.