New Jersey Devils Acquire Ryan Graves From The Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche have traded Ryan Graves to the New Jersey Devils for Mikhail Maltsev and a 2021 2nd round pick.

The Avalanche were on the verge of losing Graves for nothing to the Kraken, as they plan on protecting Cale Makar, Devon Toews and Sam Girard in the Expansion Draft. Therefore, even though it hurts them losing Graves, it was a necessary evil.

Graves has blossomed into a fantastic top-four defenseman over the last few seasons in Colorado. In 54 games this season, the 26-year-old scored two goals and recorded 15 points in total. With this decent offensive production, he was also immensely reliable because of his sound defensive play. He also is 6'5" and 220 pounds, so the Devils are getting a real imposing figure who plays the physical game well.

Now looking at Maltsev, the Avalanche are receiving a versatile forward who is just dipping his toe in the league. In his rookie season this year, the 23-year-old scored six goals and registered nine points in 33 games. In his lone AHL season in 2019-20, he scored 11 goals and produced 21 points in 49 games. There may be some offensive upside, but we will have to see how he does in Colorado.

Overall, the Devils certainly did a great job with this deal. They are bringing in a much-needed top-four defenseman who also has two more years left on his current deal. It also is quite affordable, as it only carries a $3.17 million cap hit. The Avalanche also did well for getting any return for Graves at this point. This is far better than losing him nothing at the end of the day.