It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the summer, but that doesn’t mean things are quiet. General managers are working hard behind the scene to get their rosters ready for the season. Executives are having to figure out their next course of action for their squads. This means we could see some cost-saving trades that would free up salary cap space. There haven’t been a lot of deals as of late. However, there could be a scramble as teams race to get salary cap compliant.
One of those teams that could make a trade is the Colorado Avalanche. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a defenceman that could be on the trade block.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Colorado Avalanche Defenceman Could Be Trade Target
Rumour: Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now said that Samuel Girard could still be on the trade block as the Avalanche continue to get some salary cap breathing room.
Analysis: Colorado has seemingly addressed its centre position needs by signing Brock Nelson before the start of free agency. It also seems that Gabriel Landeskog is ready to return to the club for the regular season. Deen mentions that a third-line centre is still on general manager Chris MacFarland’s wish list.
The team does have over $3.3 million in cap space going into season. However, they may want to make a move to shore up some forward depth or give themselves some flexibility to make a trade deadline deal. The piece that could be moved is that of Girard, who has two more seasons left on his deal with a $5 million cap hit.
Getting his deal off the books could give the Avalanche some great flexibility when it comes to the deadline. Colorado seemingly has a policy of not giving money to someone way down on the depth chart.
What It Means
That was seemingly the case in not keeping Coyle, who was shipped to the Columbus Blue Jackets. MacFarland didn’t want to pay that much money to someone to be a third-line centre.
Girard has seen his minutes decrease over the last few seasons. Colorado acquired Ryan Lindgren from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline. However, he signed with the Seattle Kraken over the summer. The Avs countered by signing Brent Burns on a one-year contract.
Colorado could make it work for now with Girard, but they may want to make a trade so it can be ready to make a move at the deadline. The Avalanche have exited in the first round after winning the Cup in 2022. Colorado has plenty of talent, but that hasn’t translated into playoff series victories.
The pressure is on head coach Jared Bednar to give the Avalanche another deep post-season run. Talented players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are on the roster. However, the talent needs to come together in order finally break this recent run of bad luck.
Main photo by: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
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