The Colorado Avalanche are officially in the trade rumor spotlight, and the chatter is heating up as we inch closer to the NHL trade deadline. One name that’s been linked to Colorado? Veteran winger Evander Kane, who could be on the move from the Vancouver Canucks-and the Avs are reportedly in the mix.
According to insider Kevin Weekes, both the Avalanche and the Dallas Stars are circling Kane as a potential trade target. It's a development that could signal Colorado is looking to shake things up, especially after a stretch of uninspired play that’s raised some eyebrows.
Friday night’s 7-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers was a gut punch-a reminder that even elite teams hit the January wall. And right now, the Avs look like a team that could use a spark.
Enter Kane.
At 34 years old, Kane brings a physical edge, a scoring touch, and playoff experience-three things that could make him a valuable addition to a Colorado squad looking to reignite its offensive engine. He’s in the final year of a four-year deal with a $5.125 million cap hit, but with over half the season gone, the remaining hit is closer to $2 million.
That number is key, because while the Avalanche currently have about $1.7 million in cap space, they’re projected to have $3.36 million available by the deadline. Translation: the money can work, if Colorado wants it to.
Of course, cap space is only half the equation. The bigger question is: what would it take to get Kane?
Looking at recent deals around the league, it might not be as steep a price as you’d expect. The Canucks recently moved Kiefer Sherwood-one of the more sought-after trade chips this season-to San Jose for two second-round picks and an AHL-level player. That sets a baseline, and it’s not unreasonable to think Kane could be had for a similar or even lesser return, especially given his age and contract status.
One potential trade chip for Colorado? Ross Colton.
The 27-year-old forward has 20 points in 48 games this season, but his scoring touch has cooled significantly-he hasn’t found the back of the net since late November. His three-assist night against Ottawa on January 8 was a bright spot, but overall, it’s been a quiet stretch for Colton.
In Vancouver, though, Colton might be a better fit. The Canucks are thin at center, and Colton could step into a larger role-possibly even a top-six spot. That kind of opportunity could revitalize his game.
Still, it’s unlikely that a straight-up swap would get the deal done. The Canucks will almost certainly want more than just Colton.
A draft pick or two may need to be added to sweeten the pot. But unless Dallas decides to overpay, Colorado looks like a serious contender to land Kane if they decide to pull the trigger.
For the Avalanche, this is the kind of move that could pay dividends down the stretch. Kane’s rugged style and playoff pedigree could be exactly what they need to push through the midseason malaise and gear up for another deep run. The question now is whether Colorado’s front office sees Kane as the missing piece-and whether they’re willing to make the call.