Colorado Avalanche: 3 Trades to Consider Ahead of 2023 Deadline

The Colorado Avalanche are trying to run it back this season after winning the Stanley Cup in 2021-22. The team is dealing with some injuries to key players and have been trying to find the right balance within their lineup. The Avs aren't quite what they used to be, as they sit four points out of a playoff spot in the West. Here's a few trades which could help them get back into contention this season:

Trade for Canucks Bo Horvat

With a core of players in their prime and a desperate need for another center, the Avs need to go all-in for Horvat and then sign him to a contract extension. He's a pro's pro and someone who would fit in perfectly as the team's #2 center, much like Nazem Kadri did last season during their Cup run.

Trade for Radko Gudas out of Florida

The Panthers are expected to move several players ahead of the March 3 trade deadline and Gudas will be included. He's a pending free agent and wouldn't cost the Avs a ton to acquire besides a mid-round pick and prospect. They could use some more sandpaper in their lineup and Gudas would help bring it from the back end.

Make the Canucks Trade a Multi-Player Blockbuster

The Horvat deal would be great for Colorado, however so too would be adding Andrei Kuzmenko to the deal and landing a scoring winger. He's making under $1 million against the cap and while the Avs won't have the necessary resources to keep everyone in town, adding Kuzmenko for the playoff run would be a wise move by GM Joe Sakic. He's quietly gone about his business to the tune of a point a game, and if the Avs include Samuel Girard or Bowen Byram in the deal, they could easily land both players.

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