The Colorado Avalanche are back in action, picking up right where they left off with a solid win over the Utah Mammoth following the Olympic break. With a league-leading 38-9-9 record, they're firmly in the conversation for the Stanley Cup.
The Avalanche have already made waves with a trade this week, sending longtime defenseman Samuel Girard packing and bringing in the seasoned Brett Kulak for a more physical presence on the ice.
According to insider buzz, GM Chris MacFarland isn't done yet. He's reportedly eyeing more moves before the trade deadline hits, with two key players on his radar.
Rumor has it that the Avalanche are considering a reunion with Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames and are also interested in New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck.
Both Kadri, with a $7 million cap hit, and Trocheck, at $5.625 million, have three years left on their contracts after this season. With Girard's $5 million off the books and Kulak's more manageable $2.75 million deal, the Avs have just over $8.7 million in cap space to maneuver.
Kadri, who was instrumental in Colorado's 2022 championship run with 15 points in 16 playoff games, could be a game-changer if he returns. Although his current season with Calgary has been modest, a reunion with the Avalanche might reignite his spark.
Trocheck, fresh from a gold medal win with Team USA at the Winter Olympics, is another intriguing option. Though linked to other teams like the Wild and Red Wings, his two-way play would be a perfect fit for Colorado.
Trocheck has tallied 36 points in 43 games this season and would be a formidable third-line center alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson. Kadri, too, could fill this role seamlessly.
MacFarland seems keen on boosting his forward lines, having already shored up the defense. Adding depth at center could be the final piece of the puzzle.
Even without further trades, the Avalanche are favorites in the Western Conference. But landing Kadri or Trocheck could be the extra push they need to make a strong run at the Stanley Cup this June.