Équipe: 2022-23 Avalanche du Colorado

Date de création initiale: 19 févr. 2023

Publié: 19 févr. 2023

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Credit to @NOTJoeSakic for proposing something similar first.

2C is obviously Colorado’s biggest position of need. After a couple of down years early in his Ducks tenure, Henrique has bounced back with two consecutive solid seasons, both by counting stats and underlying metrics (see JFresh’s player card). He could step into Colorado’s 2C spot where he would benefit from all the talent around him. Henrique probably won’t be a 1-for-1 replacement for 21-22 Nazem Kadri, but I don’t think he has to be. Outside of the 2C position, and assuming health, Colorado’s top 9 is just as good as last season, if not better. Even if Henrique doesn’t work in the 2C spot, his positional versatility and strong two-way play should make him a valuable addition somewhere inside the Avs’ top 9.

Kulikov steps into a third-pair role while Erik Johnson is out, and will provide quality depth for what’s hopefully a deep playoff run. Colorado was very lucky to only use 7 defensemen last postseason.

The structure and return are based on the Tarasenko trade:
Henrique = Tarasenko (Tarasenko is the more dynamic scorer, but Henriques term and positional value make them comparable in my opinion)
Kulikov = Mikkola (Kulikov has played a more significant role this season)
Ranta = Blais (Ranta could probably play in the NHL right now as a bottom six power forward, similar to Blais. He just hasn’t fit in Colorado’s system yet)
The Rangers gave a ‘23 1st and a conditional 4th (which should turn into a 3rd). Colorado gives a ‘23 1st and ‘25 2nd. They pay a little more because of the additional year of retained salary, and they get back a ‘23 4th which will be their first pick in the upcoming draft.

The current structure would be contingent on Erik Johnson going on LTIR for the rest of the regular season. Otherwise they’d have to do some additional cap gymnastics.