We are formally lower than 24 hours away from the NHL commerce deadline.
The Colorado Avalanche are off at this time, however can be again on the ice Friday earlier than touring to Dallas for a giant matchup with the Stars.
One factor that we’ll search for at follow tomorrow is the supply of Josh Manson. He “tweaked” one thing late within the sport in opposition to the Devils. He’s been taking plenty of upkeep days these days, however who is aware of if that is associated to the damage that induced him to overlook a couple of months.
I stated it when the Avalanche acquired Jack Johnson that I nonetheless assume they should add a defenseman earlier than the NHL commerce deadline. If Manson is damage, it turns into extra of a necessity. There’s nonetheless no clear timeline on what’s going to occur with Erik Johnson, and whereas I might be shocked if Cale Makar missed each video games this weekend, you simply by no means know. Depth on protection is essential within the playoffs, and the Avalanche might use one other physique.
I’ve lengthy felt Dmitri Kulikov is an effective match for the Avalanche. He can play either side and may step in and assist instantly. The Ducks held him out for “trade related reasons” on Wednesday, however haven’t moved him but. They’ve been fairly quiet, all issues thought of. Another identify is John Klingberg, however to me, he doesn’t make sense once you take a look at the construct of the Avalanche protection.
As for ahead, it got here out on Wednesday that the Avalanche are attempting to find a “scoring winger” earlier than the deadline. People may be shocked to listen to them concentrating on a winger greater than a middle, however the actuality is, there’s not plenty of facilities on the market.
Who matches the invoice? James van Riemsdyk remains to be sitting on the market. He’s a confirmed objective scorer, at the same time as he will get older. He’s making $7,000,000, so the Flyers must eat a great chunk of that. The concern with him is skating, so that you do surprise how he would match. Max Domi is one other identify, and the Avalanche have sniffed round him for years. (UPDATE: Domi was traded to Dallas 5 minutes after this posted)
If the Avalanche actually wished to take a house run swing, Lawson Crouse is an attention-grabbing identify. He’s solely 25, and signed by means of 2027 at $4.3 million. That’s low cost. He wouldn’t come low cost in a commerce, however he would match the system to a tee. Imagine Lehkonen, Nichushkin, and Crouse on separate strains inflicting havoc. The Coyotes apparently have little interest in icing an actual crew proper now, however he would nonetheless value quite a bit to accumulate.
Backup goaltender is on plenty of people minds after Justus Annunen struggled Wednesday evening, however the goaltending market isn’t the very best. A constructive replace on Francouz can be good. Annunen was despatched down Wednesday evening. I wouldn’t be shocked if Keith Kinkaid comes as much as take his spot.
The NHL commerce deadline is at 1 PM MST on Friday. CHN can have you lined if any information breaks with the Avalanche.
