A Bit of Business

Équipe: 2023-24 Avalanche du Colorado

Date de création initiale: 19 juill. 2023

Publié: 19 juill. 2023

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

With Josh Manson's injury history (and Cale Makar as well) we need to have a 3rd pair RD that is capable of playing up in the lineup for 30 games a season as well as complementing Bo Byram/Sam Girard in playing style in their regular pairings.

Looking around the league the only reasonably affordable options available in trade are: Andrew Peeke (Columbus), Jan Rutta (Pittsburgh), Dante Fabbro (Nashville).

The Free Agent market has dried up with Matt Dumba (too expensive), Tony DeAngelo (no defense), Ethan Bear (not healthy until December), and Cal Foote (needs work). I'm in favor of bringing in Foote but putting him in the AHL for a season or two to acclimate him to our style of play and bringing him up when Manson's contract is up as a physical presence (we have no other RHD of this type in our pipeline). While Sam Malinksi is an intriguing player we probably also need him to fill in due to injury as he brings a smooth offensive game; but I wouldn't want to bet the season on him as the 3rd pair; nor on Jack Johnson for the full seasons.

For the bottom 6, I'd like to target Zach Aston-Reese who would add to the grit and grind while actually bringing some "finish" (shooting percentage around 10%). Putting him on a line with Wood-Colton would definitely be a momentum changing line that would be fun to watch come playoffs.