The Colorado Avalanche went into the Olympic break on a high note, taking care of business against the San Jose Sharks in a much-needed win. Now, while several players don their national colors for the Games, the Avalanche front office stays put in Denver - and they’ve got work to do.
Colorado sits atop the NHL standings, but 2026 hasn’t been all smooth skating. The team’s depth has been tested, and as the trade deadline creeps closer, there’s a sense that a smart, strategic move - not necessarily a blockbuster - could give this group the edge it needs heading into the stretch run.
Let’s break down three players who could make a real difference in Denver without forcing the Avalanche to mortgage their future.
Jason Dickinson, C, Chicago Blackhawks
If Colorado is looking for a reliable, no-frills addition down the middle, Jason Dickinson checks a lot of boxes. He’s a pending UFA, which means he’s a rental - but an affordable one. And while he’s not going to light up the scoreboard, that’s not what he’s built for.
Dickinson is a defensive specialist, the kind of center who thrives in tough assignments. He starts a ton of shifts in the defensive zone and still finds ways to tilt the ice back in his team’s favor. That’s the kind of grinder who becomes invaluable in the playoffs, where every faceoff and every matchup matters.
Adding Dickinson would allow Colorado to shuffle the bottom six with purpose. Jack Drury could slide between the third and fourth lines depending on matchups, and Logan O’Connor could move to the wing - giving the Avs more flexibility and more bite in their lineup.
No, it’s not a headline-grabbing move. But in a postseason series, Dickinson’s ability to kill penalties, win draws, and frustrate opposing top lines could be a difference-maker.
Bobby McMann, W, Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto’s playoff hopes are fading fast, and if the slide continues, they’ll likely pivot to selling at the deadline. That opens the door for teams like Colorado to pounce on depth players like Bobby McMann.
McMann is a pending UFA and having a breakout season - a hard-nosed, middle-six winger who’s trending toward career highs across the board. He brings energy, forechecking pressure, and a bit of scoring pop, all wrapped in a 6-foot-2 frame.
The Avs’ bigger need might be at center, but McMann’s versatility could still be a solid fit. He could slot in on the third line and push Joel Kiviranta down to the fourth, giving Colorado a more dangerous and more balanced bottom six.
He’s not flashy, but McMann plays with an edge and brings the kind of sandpaper that wears teams down over a long series. And with Landeskog still working his way back to full NHL speed, another winger who can handle tough minutes wouldn’t hurt.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C/W, Carolina Hurricanes
Now here’s where things get interesting.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a bit of a wild card - a 25-year-old with size (6'3", 210), skill, and a solid two-way game. But for whatever reason, he hasn’t quite stuck in Carolina’s top-six plans this season. That’s led to speculation he could be moved if the right offer comes along.
The challenge? He’s not a rental.
Kotkaniemi is signed for four more seasons at a $4.82 million cap hit, which makes things trickier from a financial standpoint. But if the Avalanche believe in his upside - and surround him with their high-end talent - there’s a real chance he could thrive in Denver.
He’s capable of anchoring a third line, and his ability to play both center and wing gives the coaching staff options. But this move would require more cap gymnastics and long-term commitment than the other two. Still, if Colorado sees a buy-low opportunity here, it’s worth exploring.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s the thing: the Avalanche are going to get stronger even without a trade. Gabriel Landeskog is healthy enough to suit up for Sweden at the Olympics - a promising sign after his long rehab. And there’s optimism that Logan O’Connor could return after the break as well.
But adding one more piece could be the insurance policy this team needs. Whether it’s Dickinson’s shutdown ability, McMann’s grit and scoring touch, or Kotkaniemi’s untapped potential, each of these players brings something to the table.
The Avalanche don’t need to swing for the fences. They just need to round out a roster that’s already built to contend. And with the right addition, they could be even tougher to beat when the games start to really matter.