The Colorado Avalanche are one point out of first place in the Western Conference and allow the ninth-fewest goals per game in the NHL, however Joe Sakic wants to fortify his team’s goaltending prior to the playoffs.
“We’re going to pursue and see if we can add a depth goalie,” the Avalanche general manager told reporters Wednesday night following his team’s 3-1 win over the Islanders. “We’ll see where that goes but that is something. We’ve had injuries in that department, not only here but with the [Colorado Eagles of the AHL] as well so ultimately we’d like to see if we can add a depth goalie just for protection.”
Philipp Grubauer (18-12-4 with a .916 save percentage and 2.63 goals-against average) and Pavel Francouz (13-5-3 with a .922 save percentage and 2.51 GAA) have manned the crease for the Avalanche for the majority of the season. Grubauer sustained a lower-body injury this past weekend during a game against the Kings.
“I’d prefer a hockey trade rather than going into the rental market but we’re going to be open to the rental market as well,” Sakic explained before adding, “I’m not here just looking short term. I’m paid to look after the big picture.”
The Avalanche are currently without forwards Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri and Matt Calvert yet Sakic won’t let those injuries impact his approach to trade deadline as all three are expected to be fully recovered prior to the post-season.
“There’s no urgency from me,” Sakic said. “I know at the end of the day we’re going to get all our guys back and when we have a full lineup I really like our team, but we’re here to try to make ourselves better smartly.”
The Hockey Hall of Famer added he’d “rather not” part with his team’s first-round pick but “won’t rule anything out” depending on what potential packages might be available.
The Avalanche will sit first in the Central Division and Western Conference if they can manage to win the game in hand they currently hold on the Blues and Stars. The Avs visit the Ducks Friday and the Kings Saturday.
The 2020 NHL Trade Deadline is Monday at 3 p.m. ET.
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