The bottom line on the Colorado Avalanche's trade deadline moves
The Colorado Avalanche addressed every significant need on their roster for the here and now. Maybe we all should have seen it coming after the major moves they had already made this year. When Colorado has sturggled this season, it has largely been about a kind of passivity. I do not think that will be an issue going forward near so often.
I think in grading the overall deadline its impossible not to give it high marks for guts and immediate fit. I'm less inclined to drive myself crazy over the vast unknowns of draft picks than most fans. Though there are concerns about whether Brock Nelson stays after this year, he will be a free agent. Also, the cost of Casey Mittelstadt could be one Colorado ultimately regrets, particularly if Nelson walks in July.
It's a compounding question that looks bad if the Avalanche fall short. But they don't plan on that. Winning obviously negates all worries for everyone save the accountants. The Avalanche are betting that success will speak very loudly to a player like Nelson, who I expect the team to try and re-sign to a 1-2 year contract in the offseason.
It is with optimism and a honest belief in the Colorado Avalanche that I give this trade deadline a solid A grade.
The Avalanche are now arguably the deepest team down the middle in the entire NHL. They have the best forward in hockey, the best defenseman in hockey, and the best goalie tandem they've had in years. If you don't go for it when those things are true do you really love puck - or just your fantasy roster?