NHL Trade Deadline: Colorado Avalanche’s Potential Moves
As the NHL’s trade deadline approaches, the focus tends to lean towards which players teams can acquire rather than who they might be willing to part with. The Colorado Avalanche, eyeing a potential Stanley Cup run, are undoubtedly in the market for reinforcements in the coming weeks. Yet a crucial question remains: what can they realistically afford to trade?
The Avalanche kicked off their trade discussions on January 20 by moving Ilya Solovyov, a defenseman seen as a desirable asset. Now, as the February 4 trade freeze approaches, speculation swirls around what further moves could be made. Here are five key assets that could be on the chopping block.
Key Trade Assets
1. Ross Colton
Heading into the trade deadline, a priority for Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar is to bolster the third-line center position. However, with limited trading assets and cap space, finding a match is challenging. Ross Colton, under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season with a $4 million average annual value, stands out as a potential trade piece. Despite showing promise with 20 points this season, he hasn’t consistently found his role within the team and recently faced a goal drought. His versatility could attract interest, but the Avalanche would likely require a significant return if Colton is moved.
2. Ivan Ivan
Another intriguing possibility is Ivan Ivan, whose 47 games of NHL experience make him a valuable commodity. As a 23-year-old forward, he’s had sporadic appearances with the Avalanche lately, raising speculations that he is being showcased for a potential trade. With arbitration rights due this summer, the timing may be ripe for the Avalanche to consider moving him before his next contract.
3. Zakhar Bardakov
Like Ivan, Zakhar Bardakov is also approaching restrictive free agency this summer. At 24, he has primarily contributed at the NHL level this season. Although he serves as a dependable depth player for the Avalanche, his situation echoes that of former player Nikolai Kovalenko—who was traded last season—showing that Bardakov could be a candidate for a deal if the Avalanche aim to upgrade their roster.
4. 2027 Draft Picks
With championship aspirations, the Avalanche might not hesitate to trade future draft capital, specifically targeting their 2027 picks. Holding onto their first-round selection along with an extra second and fifth-round pick provides decent leverage in negotiations. However, if they dip into 2028 picks, the value may diminish given the necessity to evaluate long-term returns.
5. Sam Malinski
Lastly, Sam Malinski has become an effective depth defenseman for the Avalanche, contributing significantly this season. However, as an unrestricted free agent after this season, moving Malinski might necessitate a considerable upgrade in return rather than settling for minimal assets. Although it’s a tricky proposition, it remains a possibility if the right deal arises.
Players Likely Untouchable
While there are always exceptions, several players are less likely to be traded unless an exceptional offer comes along. Defenseman Samuel Girard is one of those players, having been a reliable presence in their lineup. In goal, Ilya Nabokov‘s future is uncertain; his lack of North American experience renders him less valuable for immediate trades. Meanwhile, the potential contributions of young players like Gavin Brindley, who recently signed an economical two-year extension, could also see him remain with the team as the front office looks for impact players to augment their roster without sacrificing younger cost-effective talent.
With numerous factors in play, the Avalanche’s trade strategy will hinge on their desire to solidify their standing for a run at the Cup without jeopardizing their future prospects.
