By Maeve Hushman, Staff Writer
The Avalanche were a team to watch at the 2022 trade deadline. They were reportedly in on multiple big fish like Claude Giroux. While they didn’t land Giroux, they did make a couple big moves to increase their depth going into the playoffs.
Acquired (from the Anaheim Ducks): D Josh Manson, 50% salary retained
Return (to the Ducks): 2023 2nd Round Pick and D Drew Helleson
Trade report: This is a solid move. Josh Manson was one of the top defensive pieces on the trade bait list and has been for the past few years. Manson is a big, physical, two-way defenseman whose underlying numbers have taken a dip in the past two seasons. He is still extremely capable and passes the eye test as a reliable depth defenseman. He is the perfect piece to make the D-core more formidable and more resilient in the playoffs. He is a rental, so if he doesn’t work out the Avalanche are not weighed down under his contract. It was an expectedly savvy move by GM Joe Sakic.
Acquired (from the Minnesota Wild): F Nico Strum
Return (to the Wild): Tyson Jost
Trade report: Tyson Jost is a fan favorite but hasn’t been having a great season. This, however, was more of a cap move. Strum makes $1.7 million less than Jost. His biggest asset is that he is a true center who does well in a depth aspect. He has played well in his first few games and seems like another solid depth pick up who doesn’t move the needle much.
Acquired (from the Montreal Canadiens): F Artturi Lehkonen, 50% Salary retained
Return (to the Canadiens): Justin Barron and a 2024 2nd round pick
Trade report: While Barron may be a bit of an overpay for what will reportedly be a third line winger, Lehkonen is a very talented player. In Montreal, he played quite well despite an abysmal year for team success. Lehkonen is obviously very skilled and probably could play in the top six, should injuries require it. While Barron being moved seems like an overpay, as Barron is a highly skilled prospect, if the Avalanche make a deep run this year it will all be worth it.
Acquired (from the San Jose Sharks): F Andrew Cogliano
Return (to the Sharks): 2024 5th round pick
Trade report: Cogliano is a veteran piece with playoff experience as well as experience in the cup final. He got into a fight in his very first game in the blue and burgundy. He is another solid depth piece and brings a level of grit and toughness to the team.
Overall, the Avalanche had a successful deadline. They bolstered their depth preparing for a lengthy playoff run. While the amount of UFAs on their roster is somewhat concerning, it only increases the urgency. This group will likely look very different come next year so the pressure to win is higher than ever. The team is in win now mode and the additions they made are further adding to the stakes. This is it, all or nothing with this group of players.