The Colorado Avalanche’s nightmarish 0-4 seems to be well in the rearview mirror by now. The Avs are two points off a playoff spot at the moment. But given the way the Avs have been playing over the last month, there’s a very good chance the Avs will be playing well into the spring.
However, the Avs are hardly perfect. Injuries have been the main storyline for the club this season, forcing a number of younger players into game action. Despite a talented core featuring Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar, and enviable depth across the board, the Avs will need to bolster their depth on forward and the blueline in order to ensure a strong playoff run this spring.
That’s where the trade deadline becomes such an important part of the season. It’s worth noting that this year’s deadline is March 7, 2025. While it may seem like that’s still months away, and it is, it’s much closer than most fans believe.
Some teams, like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators, are already open for business. Plus, contenders like the Avalanche, are already looking at what players they could add to provide depth and support to the team’s big stars.
So, the big question is: What areas could the Colorado Avalanche add leading up to the trade deadline?
Three areas Colorado Avalanche could add depth at trade deadline
Goaltending
The Avs have already gotten the ball rolling by adding Scott Wedgewood to back up Alexandar Georgiev in the crease. However, the Avs may want to add another NHL-capable netminder as insurance, just in case. This goaltender could play in the AHL and come up once the playoffs begin to skate with the team as a third goalie. Plenty of teams do this to ensure another goalie is ready in case of injury.
Last season, we saw the Vancouver Canucks go through that scenario, eventually riding third-string netminder Arturs Silovs through most of the first and second rounds. Thus, the Avs would be wise to look at another low-cost goaltender to provide depth.
Defense
Another one or two NHL-ready defensemen might not be a bad idea to look into this season. These blueliners would most likely be third-pairing guys who could slide in if need be. Since adding a top-four defenseman would be quite tough, the Avs could do well to target depth blueliners just in case injuries become an issue once the playoffs roll around.
Forward
You can never have enough forward depth in the NHL. Injuries strike. Inconsistency happens. So, having options to fall back on is always crucial. For the Avs, that depth has been tested this season. While the club has enough pieces to get by, more depth would make sense. The Avalanche know that very well from their 2022 run.
Colorado should be in the market for bottom six guys that can step up during the postseason. Don’t be surprised if rumors begin to circulate regarding the Avalanche targeting veteran, physical players who can play specific roles like penalty killing or help out with the defense.
All told, we’ll have a much better sense of where every team is headed by Christmas. December is a tough month in the schedule so it should separate the wheat from the chaff this year. We’ll know who’s buying and selling. Most importantly, we’ll know what’s available in the market.