Colorado Avalanche Trade Rumors: Avs planning to make a move for Coyotes forward

The Colorado Avalanche are currently placed fourth in the Central Division with 67 points. They are also second in the Western Conference Wild Card standings. The club will be hoping to retain the Stanley Cup title this year.

As the March 3 trade deadline approaches, the Avalanche appears to be preparing to become buyers and scouring the market to make a deep playoff run. The club is also dealing with injuries on the front line. According to NHL Trade Rumors, the Colorado Avalanche are interested in signing Coyotes forward Nick Schmaltz.

Nick Schmaltz is a versatile forward who can play on both wings and pose a significant threat to the opposing defense on the offensive line. The Avalanche's frontline has also struggled this season, so adding Schmaltz to their roster would be an excellent fit for the club.

On March 30, 2019, the 27-year-old signed a seven-year, $40.9 million contract with the Coyotes. He has a $5.85 million salary cap hit. After the 2025-26 season, he will be an unrestricted free agent.

Getting Schmaltz out of his current contract will be difficult for Colorado. As a result, the Coyotes may want more from Colorado in exchange for his services. For now, it remains to be seen how the Avalanche-Coyotes trade talks involving Schmaltz will advance in the coming days.

Nick Schmaltz's NHL journey

Nick Schmaltz began his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks after being selected 20th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the Blackhawks' 5-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues in the 2016-17 season.

On November 25, 2018, Schmaltz was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for forwards Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini after spending more than two seasons with the Blackhawks. Schmaltz has since worn the Coyotes jersey.

Nick Schmaltz has appeared in 42 games for the Coyotes this season. He has accumulated 37 points (16 goals and 21 assists). In 406 NHL games, Nick has collected 278 points on 94 goals and 184 assists for 278 points.

Colorado Avalanche's 2022-23 NHL campaign so far

The Colorado Avalanche are currently fourth in the Central Division with a record of 31-19-5. Nathan MacKinnon has been the Avalanche's most valuable player in terms of team goalscoring. He has 67 points for the team in 44 games, with 19 goals and 48 assists.

The Colorado Avalanche will travel to the MTS Centre to face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday (February 24). The puck drop is scheduled for 8 pm ET.