Colorado Avalanche going all in at the NHL trade deadline, poised for another Stanley Cup run
Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland is going all in at the NHL trade deadline to bring the Stanley Cup back to the Mile High City.
MacFarland has had a busy last 24 hours bringing back 2022 Cup champ Erik Johnson and acquiring center Charlie Coyle from the Bruins Friday. He also acquired defenseman Ryan Lindgren from the New York Rangers on March 1.
Thursday’s trades for former New York Islanders center Brock Nelson to address the need for a second-line center, along with the trade for Boston Bruins’ Charlie Coyle show Colorado's commitment to strengthening their roster. Their biggest move earlier this season–sending Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for Martin Necas–makes it clear that Colorado is going all in this spring.
The Avs parted ways with top prospect Calum Ritchie, last year's deadline addition Casey Mittelstadt, and multiple picks to make these trades happen.
Why does that matter? Nathan Mackinnon, 2023’s MVP, and one of the best, if not the best, defenseman, Cale Makar, are in their championship window now. Bringing in veterans such as Coyle and Nelson, along with a familiar face in Johnson, signals the Avs are fully committed to another deep playoff run.
By sacrificing future assets like Richie and multiple picks, they show priority toward immediate success, betting that these additions will complement their star power and help to bring another Stanley Cup to Colorado.
“I think there is an expectation from the players,” MacFarland said in his trade deadline press conference Friday. “They are committed, they are dedicated on and off the ice. Sometimes it's a more limited [championship] window, and I think ours will be extended with players like Nate and Cale.”
The Avs began addressing key issues earlier in the season, most notably revamping their goalie tandem by adding Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks and Scott Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators and moving on from Alexandar Georgiev.
In their 2022 Stanley Cup winning season, MacFarland had a similar deadline, acquiring forward Andrew Cogliano and left-wing Arturri Lehkonnen, who became crucial pieces in their championship run.
With just 19 games remaining in the regular season, the Avs have made their intentions clear: win another Stanley Cup. Colorado’s season continues against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Puck-drop from Ball Arena is set for 5 p.m. MT.