The Colorado Avalanche are in contention for the Stanley Cup despite trading Mikko Rantanen and acquiring Martin Necas and Jack Drury in a three-team deal with the Carolina Hurricanes. With $4.76 million in salary cap space, GM Chris MacFarland is expected to make significant trades before the March 7 deadline. The return of Valeri Nichushkin boosts their playoff chances.
The Avalanche traded Mikko Rantanen, but their title hopes were not over. The three-team deal included Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-rounder from Carolina, as Colorado was likely to retain Rantanen in free agency. Adam Proteau of The Hockey News suggests that the Colorado Avalanche are just one key addition away from becoming an absolutely dominant force in the NHL.
According to Proteau, the team is already highly competitive, but a single impactful move could elevate them to an even more formidable level. He anticipates that Colorado’s management will take an aggressive approach at the trade deadline, likely targeting either a high-end top-six forward or a difference-making defenseman. If the Avalanche execute such a move, they could transform into a truly intimidating contender for the Stanley Cup.
“The Avalanche made a shocking move when they dealt Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes. But there’s still a sense they’re not done making notable trades – and the fact Colorado has about $4.76 million in salary cap space is an indication Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland will be active by or before the trade deadline,” Proteau wrote.
“Colorado sits in the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference after a slow start to the season. But with Valeri Nichushkin back in the lineup, Colorado can continue to make everyone forget they went 0-4-0 to start October. Add another player, and they’re set up to beat anyone.”
“The Avalanche could go after a top-six forward – most likely, at their second-line center position – or a depth defenseman to shore up the final pair. The Avalanche already have superstar Hart Trophy contender Nathan MacKinnon and Norris Trophy contender Cale Makar. But a trade that adds experience and grit will turn Colorado into one of the odds-on favorites to win the Western Conference. Expect MacFarland to take a big swing.”
With the trade deadline approaching, the Avalanche are expected to pursue a second-line center or defensive depth to bolster their playoff chances. Strategic moves could make them top contenders in the West, keeping their Stanley Cup hopes alive.
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