Who should the Colorado Avalanche target before the trade deadline? Barbashev leads an underrated group

Toronto Maple Leafs v Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche may look for upgrades in order to defend their Stanley Cup title

After winning the Stanley Cup last season, the Colorado Avalanche feel a bit stagnant. While they are still legitimate contenders as this season's playoffs approach, the team has not performed at the powerhouse level they did in the previous campaign.

The departures of Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovsky, and Jack Johnson have been felt. Colorado seems to lack the same firepower they had on their way to the third Stanley Cup in franchise history.

"the focus for the avs needs to be chasing down winnipeg and dallas. they need to start playing colorado avalanche hockey. no one can take a step back now. they need to do work and remind everyone what the team can do. beating pittsburgh is where they need to start" - @ebleau_26

As the March 3 trade deadline approaches, the Avalanche could use help on both sides of the puck, with a center topping that list. The team could also use help on defense, with a familiar face fitting the bill.


Ivan Barbashev would be the ideal trade target for the Colorado Avalanche

At just 27 years of age and on a relatively affordable $2.25M expiring contract, Ivan Barbashev should not cost the Avalanche much to acquire in comparison with the other big-name rentals. His age also makes him a good fit with the current roster, which has an average age of 27.60.

"On St. Louis: Will likely get a 1st or 2nd for Barbashev. "If you told me they were in on Chychrun or Meier I would totally believe it." Their D have no trade protection but they've told teams they will take calls on them, already happening on Parayko and maybe Krug. #stlblues" - NHL Trade Alert

Barbashev, who scored 60 points and 26 goals just a year ago, has had a bit of a down season for the St. Louis Blues but may benefit from a change of scenery. His ability to play on both the wing and center positions would make him a versatile addition to the Colorado Avalanche.


Could a Jack Johnson reunion be in the works?

If the Avalanche were looking for a cheap addition to their defense, a reunion with Jack Johnson may be the ideal move. The veteran defenseman carries a $950,000 cap hit, so the financial aspect would be easy for the team to sort out.

The 36-year-old pending free agent of the Chicago Blackhawks may be nearing the end of his career. However, given the fact that he helped the team secure the championship last season, Johnson may have enough left in the tank for one more run.

"The warmest welcome back. Thank you, Jack Johnson #GoAvsGo" - Colorado Avalanche

The Arizona Coyotes have a veteran center for the Avalanche

Arizona Coyotes center Nick Bjugstad could be an easy target for the Colorado Avalanche to address their needs for the position. He is making only $900,000 and would seamlessly fit in as a right-handed center with size.

"Deadline Deep Dive. A closer look at five under-the-radar targets on the trade market, from Nick Bjugstad to, yes, Jesse Puljujarvi" - dom

While he may not be the sexiest name on the trade market, the journeyman center has scored 13 goals this season on Arizona's fourth line. Bjugstad may be the exact piece to help bolster the Colorado Avalanche's depth for the playoffs.

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Edited by Anantaajith Raghuraman
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