It might seem a bit premature to speculate about the Colorado Avalanche’s trade deadline moves at this point. But considering how the trade market’s animal spirits may be returning, it’s a worthwhile endeavor to at least think about what moves GM Chris MacFarland could make.
At this point, there are no obvious gaps in the Avalanche lineup. Of course, every GM will say he wants to add more scoring and depth on the blue line. If the Avalanche had the chance to land another top-six forward, they would be remiss if they didn’t at least kick the tires.
But beyond a major move landing on the Avalanche’s lap, the moves that could be coming down the pipeline could be of the depth variety.
Let’s run down the list of what the Avalanche could target at this season’s trade deadline.
First, one or two depth defensemen. The current state of the Avalanche’s blue line looks solid enough. The Olympic break should also help give some of the regulars a break. I’m thinking about Brent Burns, who could certainly benefit from some time off.
Beyond the rest, the Avalanche are kind of thin beyond their top six. Waiver pickup, Ilya Solovyov has been decent. AHL call-ups like Jack Ahcan have played all right. So, a depth defenseman could be a good option. It’s tough to speculate who the Avs might target, but it would be fun to think the Avalanche could acquire someone like Brett Kulak from the Penguins.
Second, some fourth-liner grinders could be useful for the Avalanche. Parker Kelly, Jack Drury, and Joel Kiviranta have been a solid group. But it wouldn’t hurt to add someone like a little more pop.
Having more physical forwards to deploy, especially in the postseason, could make the Avs tougher to play against. Of course, we’re not talking about a one-dimensional guy like Matt Rempe or Ryan Reaves. Someone who can actually play while delivering big hits could help.
Someone with a mean streak like Corey Perry wouldn’t be a bad choice. Targeting such a forward all depends on what teams are willing to sell come trade deadline time.
Lastly, the Avalanche could use a third goalie. That statement is not an indictment of MacKenzie Blackwood or Scott Wedgewood. It’s a reality of the NHL these days. If an unfortunate injury should befall either member of the lumberyard, Trent Miner would become the backup.
That’s no disrespect to Mr. Miner. But come playoff time, the Avs would do well to have a reliable third-string goalie to fall back on. This goalie would have to be someone comfortable with playing in the AHL and willing to come up at a moment’s notice.
Such a goalie would likely be a veteran on an expiring contract. The price, of course, would have to be right. Goalies are the most expensive players at the moment. So, there’s no sense in overpaying for one.
If the right deal became available, the Avalanche should bring in a depth option in goal. Otherwise, the depth chart would be Blackwood, Wedgewood, and Miner. The Avalanche could certainly do a lot worse than that.