Could the Avalanche Look to the Maple Leafs for Third-Line Center Help?
As the NHL trade deadline inches closer, the Colorado Avalanche find themselves in a familiar position-firmly in the playoff mix, but with a few roster holes to patch if they want to make another deep run. While adding a middle-six winger is certainly on the radar, it’s the third-line center spot that might demand the most attention.
The Avalanche have cycled through options down the middle behind Nathan MacKinnon and their second-line pivot, but the consistency just hasn’t been there. That’s why eyes are starting to turn toward Toronto-where the Maple Leafs, slipping further from playoff contention, may be open for business.
Two names stand out as potential fits: Scott Laughton and Nicolas Roy.
Laughton, a pending unrestricted free agent, comes with a manageable $1.5 million cap hit. He hasn’t exactly lit up the scoresheet this season, especially in a fourth-line role, but his value goes beyond the stat line.
He brings leadership, grit, and playoff experience-traits that tend to shine in the spring. Toronto paid a steep price to get him at last year’s deadline, sending out a first-round pick and a prospect, but with the Leafs fading, they may be willing to recoup assets now rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Then there’s Roy. The 26-year-old is a more dynamic option, offering a stronger offensive game and a solid presence in the faceoff circle-he’s winning 53.6% of his draws this season.
He’s also a key piece on the penalty kill, which would be a welcome addition for an Avalanche team that’s had its ups and downs on the PK. Roy carries a $3 million cap hit and has one year left on his deal, which makes him more expensive to acquire but also more than just a rental.
The decision for Colorado likely comes down to what they prioritize more: leadership and cost-effectiveness (Laughton), or upside and term (Roy). Either way, if the Avs want to shore up that third-line center spot-and history suggests they should-they’ll have to weigh the cost of doing business with a team like Toronto, even if the Leafs are trending toward seller status.
Canucks Eyeing Reclamation Projects Ahead of Deadline
Meanwhile, out west, the Vancouver Canucks are in a different phase of their roster building. With an eye toward the future, they’re reportedly exploring a handful of "buy-low" candidates-players who’ve either underperformed or haven’t quite found their footing with their current teams.
Here are some of the names reportedly on Vancouver’s radar:
- Alexis Lafrenière (LW, Rangers): Still just 24, Lafrenière hasn’t hit the offensive heights expected of a former No. 1 overall pick. He’s on pace for under 50 points again while playing in a second-line role. With seven years left at $7.5 million annually, this would be a bold swing-but one that could pay off if Vancouver believes a change of scenery can unlock his potential.
- Ville Heinola (LD, Jets): Drafted 20th overall in 2019, Heinola has struggled to crack Winnipeg’s lineup. He’ll be a Group VI UFA this summer, so the cost to acquire him may be minimal. For a team looking to add depth on the left side, this could be a low-risk move.
- Isak Rosén (RW, Sabres): Buffalo has a logjam of similar wingers, and with the Sabres expected to be buyers at the deadline, Rosén could be expendable. A potential swap involving a veteran center like Teddy Blueger might make sense, especially if Buffalo is also looking to offload contracts like Jordan Greenway’s.
- Marco Kasper (C, Red Wings): The 2022 first-rounder is going through a sophomore slump after a brief stint at center. He’s now back on the wing alongside Dylan Larkin and Mason Raymond. The upside is still there, but Detroit may be open to a deal if they don’t see him fitting long-term at center.
- Cole Perfetti (RW, Jets): In the final year of his bridge deal, Perfetti may not crack 40 points this season. If Winnipeg doesn’t see him as a long-term fit, he could be available-though the price might not be as low as others on this list.
- Fedor Svechkov (C, Predators): A bottom-six center who’s taken a step back this season with just nine points in 49 games. If Nashville believes prospect Brady Martin is ready to take his spot, Svechkov could be on the move.
- Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski (LD, Blackhawks): Chicago has a surplus of young defensemen. Del Mastro is the more attainable of the two, while Korchinski, with a higher ceiling, would require a more substantial return.
- Alex Turcotte (C/LW, Kings): The former No. 5 overall pick hasn’t lived up to his draft status, but he’s shown flashes. With 25 points in 68 games last season while averaging under 12 minutes a night, there’s reason to believe he could produce more with a bigger role.
- Matthew Poitras (C, Bruins): Poitras has slipped down the Bruins’ depth chart this season and could fall further next year. Boston may be looking for futures, which aligns with Vancouver’s approach-though that could also mean a deal is unlikely unless the Canucks are willing to part with picks or prospects.
For Vancouver, the strategy is clear: find players with upside who haven’t quite clicked elsewhere, and see if a new environment can spark something. It’s a smart play for a team that’s trying to build sustainably without diving headfirst into a full rebuild. If even one of these names pans out, it could accelerate the Canucks’ timeline in a big way.