With the Colorado Avalanche’s power play in a funk and some subpar performances on the club, specifically from Casey Mittelstadt, the rumor mill has been grinding away at the Avs.
While the main focus has been on potential trade scenarios involving Mikko Rantanen, the chatter surrounding Mittelstadt has been picking up significantly.
However, the Colorado Avalanche should avoid selling low on a still-young player like Mittelstadt.
Evan Rawal, Avalanche reporter with the Denver Gazette, succinctly stated:
“It’s best to avoid selling low in situations like this.”
Indeed, selling low on a player like Mittelstadt amid a down year would net the Avs a minimal return. I wouldn’t foresee the Avs getting much more than a mid-round pick or a middling prospect. At best, the Avs could get something like a bottom-six roster player and a fourth-round pick.
So, why sell low, if the upside is still there?
Mittelstadt is 26, and a former first-round pick. While he didn’t pan out as a top-line center in Buffalo, it doesn’t mean that he’s a total bust. The Avalanche, as a whole, haven’t gotten amazing seasons from players not named Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar.
As such, it’s too soon to write Mittelstadt off. There is still very much a chance that he could turn things around, if not this season, potentially next year and beyond.
Trading him now opens the door for Mittelstadt to find success elsewhere, making the Avalanche look foolish by giving up on him too soon.
How can Colorado Avalanche help Mittelstadt blossom?
Often, patience is the most important aspect of helping players reach their potential. As long as the hard work and dedication are there, there’s no reason to believe a player can’t reach their full potential.
But that’s the thing: What if Mittelstadt has reached his potential? What if he’s nothing more than a middle-six center destined to go hot and cold for the remainder of this career?
Is that reason enough for the Colorado Avalanche to move on from him?
Not necessarily. Mittelstadt will cost the Avs $5.75 million per season until 2027. While that cap hit is not chump change, it won’t exactly bankrupt the team. Plus, Mittelstadt’s cap hit is manageable enough to where he could be moved down the line if needed.
So, it makes sense for the Avs to hold on to Mittelstadt now, giving him a chance to rekindle his game. The Avalanche are in the midst of their competitive window, meaning they need to have as many talented players on the roster as possible.
Don’t be surprised if Mittelstadt turns a corner at some point this season, especially as the season heads toward the playoffs. In the worst of cases, the Avs can explore a move during the summer when the dust settles on this year.