The Colorado Avalanche made one of those all-in moves when they acquired Charlie Coyle from the Boston Bruins at last year's NHL trade deadline. Coyle cost the Avalanche a pretty penny. The club sent Casey Mittelstadt, prospect Will Zellers, and a second-round pick.
In hindsight, the deal was a bit of a bust for the Avalanche. Coyle played all of 19 regular-season games, scoring two goals and 11 assists for 13 points. He was the 3C the Avs were looking for, despite scoring just one goal in seven postseason games.
Coyle was an unfortunate victim of the salary cap dynamics governing the NHL. Coyle did not return to the Avalanche, heading to Columbus in a summer trade that brought Gavin Brindley to Colorado.
Since then, Coyle has actually had a good season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He’s scored 15 goals and 39 points, putting him on pace to match his career high of 60 points in 2023-24.
Even though Coyle has been successful, the situation has changed significantly for Coyle. He’s an impending UFA and could be on the move at the deadline. But before then, he’s sitting in limbo.
As an interview with Columbus GM Don Waddell revealed, Coyle’s future depends on where the Blue Jackets stand at the deadline. If Waddell believes his team has a chance at pushing for a playoff spot, Coyle will stay in Columbus.
In contrast, if the Blue Jackets fall out, Coyle could be on the move. Waddell to RG’s James Murphy that a player like Coyle, who’s never missed a postseason in his career, will be eager to go to a team that has a chance to make it.
“If you're out of it, guys like Charlie probably want to go to another team to play, and he's never missed a playoff in 13 years.”
That situation makes it challenging for the former Avalanche center. The Blue Jackets sit behind the Buffalo Sabres for the second wild card spot. However, they’re six points out. That situation means that Columbus could be running out of time before finally selling at the deadline.
Could Coyle return to the Avalanche?
The chatter has been that the Avalanche are looking for a solid 3C. Coyle was actually quite good for the Avs in his 19 regular-season games. So, could Coyle be an option for the Avalanche at this year’s deadline?
It may seem weird, but if the Blue Jackets are willing to move Coyle, the Avalanche should at least kick the tires on the asking price.
Coyle wouldn’t fetch the return that he did last season. The asking price will likely be lower given this contract status.
But then again, wouldn’t a familiar face be worth the gamble again?
Coyle would slide into the Avalanche’s third line once again, with Jack Drury dropping to the fourth line. That move would give Colorado the NHL’s best center depth. Perhaps there may be other names out there the Avs could consider. But if there aren’t, Coyle wouldn’t be a bad idea.
The Blue Jackets will need to decide whether they stand at the Olympic break. They’re reasonably within reach of a playoff spot, but far enough away to where it wouldn’t be easy to close the gap.
Perhaps the Eastern Conference will provide more clarity once March rolls around. By then, there could be enough separation to determine if the Blue Jackets will sell or give it the old college try.