We continue our Trade Center talk on Wednesday with another position for the Colorado Avalanche: the wings. There may not be too much of a need for players who play on the wings this season. It will depend on two factors if they make a move: Artturi Lehkonen’s time on injury reserve and if Logan O’Connor can return. Here we will go over some players that are likely to end up on the Avalanche by the end of the day on Friday, and a couple of hopefuls.

Blake Coleman

The 34-year-old winger and two-time Stanley Cup champion (TBL) could do a lot for the Avalanche’s bottom-six. Coleman would come with a lot lower hit on the salary cap ($4.9 million) than Nazem Kadri, but a heavier game as well. The former University of Miami, Ohio forward has averaged 137 hits per season over the last five seasons while putting close to 40 points on the board. Coleman does not play on the power play; however, he is a penalty-kill specialist. This is something that the Avalanche will need in the playoffs. On Saturday, Colorado’s brass was in attendance for the Calgary-Los Angeles game, perhaps to check out Kadri, but they could have been checking out Coleman as well. Coleman holds a modified no-trade clause on his contract, allowing him to be traded to only 10 teams in the NHL.


Bobby McMann

McMann fits well, especially with Artturi Lehkonen’s prolonged injury absence. The Toronto Maple Leafs are working on an extension with the forward. If they can’t reach a deal, will look to get something for him. McMann can play from the top line to the third line for the Avs with his offensive instincts and positional awareness. He can also play on the power play unit for the Avs, already doing so with the Leafs. McMann has an explosive shot and can add to his 19 goals he already has. McMann represents an inexpensive option at $1.35 million, though he will become an unrestricted free agent during the summer. The one downside I see to him is that he had only three points in 13 playoff games last season. He seemed to disappear, like the rest of the Maple Leafs, during the playoffs.

Kiefer Sherwood

Experienced Avalanche fans recognize Kiefer Sherwood from when he was with the team 2020–22. Since then, Sherwood played for the Nashville Predators and the Vancouver Canucks, and the San Jose Sharks recently acquired him. He plays a fast and heavy game, often as a middle-six forward. Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now has reported that the Sharks are willing to move the veteran forward. The issue is that if the Avalanche want to extend Sherwood; he is looking to get paid. He makes $1.5 million right now and will be a UFA this summer.

Claude Giroux

The Avalanche have been linked to Claude Giroux in past trade rumors. He can play both on the wings and at center as a playmaker. One thing has eluded the 38-year-old so far in his career: a Stanley Cup. Giroux could bring the skill and leadership to the Avs for a playoff run. He has played 101 playoff games in his career and averages .85 points per game. But will Giroux be willing to waive his no-movement clause for one last chance at the Cup?

On the table

The Avalanche have little to work with in terms of capital to let go. Ross Colton, depending on the team, could be an option. Jack Drury may be an option to move to open a slot in the center position. To sweeten the deal, the Avalanche could throw in one of their three fifth-round picks or one of the four seventh-round picks.