Équipe: 2021-22 Avalanche du Colorado

Date de création initiale: 9 mars 2022

Publié: 9 mars 2022

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Deadline Direction:
My belief is going all in on one run is the wrong move the majority of the time, as you can always lose just by being unlucky, and with the avs set up to compete for the cup long term, and the other top west teams likely being weaker next season (Vegas over cap, Wild buyouts, Calgary Gaudreau, Tkachuck, Mangiapane, & Kylington expiring, Blues Husso expiring), player who can be on the team for multiple years like a Lehkonen or Hagel would be a much more valuable addition even if a better player like Giroux is available. The avs have already given their first this year, and don't have an excess of assets to use, and you always want the assets incase a deal comes up similar to the Toews or Burakovsky deals, where they can get far more value than giving up top pieces for one run with a rental. I'm not saying expect to find an elite defenceman for two 2nds, but the avs are going to want find some valuable forwards, and whether they find middle 6 or top 6 forwards, they likely won't be able to make the kind of move which could really hurt their chances next year, and what gives them a higher chance of winning the cup not only this year, but over their window(which is imo at least Makar's entire contract)?

Lehkonen:
Lehkonen is the ideal playoff add that cup winning teams need. A strong defensive player, who just last playoff was part of the Canadiens shutdown line that helped carry them to the finals, and has solid offensive abilities (consistently 10+G 30P pace, and scored the OT series winner vs Vegas). He is a fantastic fit with the avs, could play on the 2nd line if you want to build a shutdown line with 2 of Nichushkin/Kadri/Landeskog, which would move one of the 3 not on the line or Burakovsky on to the 3rd line with Newhook adding a lot more depth scoring.

Kulak:
Kulak is a very underrated speedy defensive defenceman, who could slot in next to Girard while Byram is out, or if there are any other top 4 injuries, but ideally sits on the 3rd pair. He fits the avs system, and is the kind of defensive depth that teams need for a long playoff run.

Cost:
I put the cost between what I believe Lehkonen's worth (better than Goodrow, not as valuble a contract as Coleman, but an RFA, so a 1st and mid tier prospect, Helleson level, which imo is 3rd pair with 4th defenceman upside), and what you guys valued him during your video. I would give any non roster asset outside of Barron, Olausson, & Behrens, as he should be able to be retained at a reasonable price, or be flipped for a similar (or if he has an incredible playoff run higher) price. If retained, a line of Lehkonen - Jost - O'Connor would be an incredibly cost effective pesky shutdown line with some offensive potential after Newhook and Byram elcs expire, and cheap depth is needed. The cap says negative, but I believe the deal would work as is at the deadline, but retention, or minor salary the other way could easily fix the issue.