Breaking down the Colorado Avalanche ahead of NHL Trade Deadline Day.
Deadline approach
The Colorado Avalanche will be: Buyers
Pending free agents
Unrestricted: 11 | Restricted: 11 | See full list
[teamleaders league=”nhl” team=”col” season”2014″]
Avalanche overview
It appears the time is now for the Colorado Avalanche to make a run at the Stanley Cup as the franchise has been rejuvenated under the tutelage of rookie head coach Patrick Roy and the offensive spark of youngsters Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog, Ryan O’Reilly and Nathan MacKinnon.
The Avs are on the brink of their first playoff appearance since 2010 and while the core of the team is still incredibly young there may be some desire in the front office to capitalize on the undeniable chemistry that already exists in the dressing room and attempt to push the team over the top.
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| Click player positions to see depth chart | ||
Areas to address
What the Avs may need more than anything is a strong veteran up front to help guide this team through the playoffs. P.A. Parenteau is the only forward in his 30s (he turns 31 in March) to have seen regular ice-time with the Avs this season as injury has limited 34-year-old Alex Tanguay to just 16 games. The experience and savvy that a veteran forward could bring would help the team gear up for a long playoff run.
Blue line help will also be a priority for the team to help take some of the load off of Erik Johnson and Jan Hejda. The team could target New York Ranger Dan Girardi if he isn’t extended by his current club before the deadline or Andrew MacDonald whose days on Long Island appear to be numbered. The Avs could also be in the market for puck-possession players to help balance the frenetic, pace-pushing energy of the team’s youngsters.
Possible trade targets
Andrew MacDonald (Traded to PHI)
Brad Boyes, Florida Panthers (Re-signed)
Olli Jokinen, Winnipeg Jets
