Avalanche make a very questionable move after latest blockbuster trade
Photo credit: Zac BonDurant / The Hockey Writers
The Colorado Avalanche have raised eyebrows around the league with a questionable follow-up move after pulling off a massive blockbuster trade to acquire forward Danil Gushchin from the San Jose Sharks, a decision that's already generating plenty of debate among fans.
Both forward prospects have yet to establish themselves at the NHL level.
Avalanche lock up Danil Gushchin after massive trade.
Shortly after trading for the young forward, the Avalanche signed Gushchin to a one-year contract with an AAV of $775,000.
Gushchin, 23, has played in 182 AHL games with the San Jose Barracudas, amassing 150 points (70 goals, 80 assists). He also has 18 NHL games under his belt with the Sharks, registering five points (two goals, three assists).
The 5-foot-8, 165-pound winger from Yekaterinburg, Russia was a third-round pick (76th overall) by San Jose in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Heading the other way is Oskar Olausson, who tallied 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) and 26 penalty minutes over 61 games with the AHL's Colorado Eagles. He also suited up for two games with the Avalanche.
The 6-foot-2, 181-pound winger from Stockholm was originally drafted by the Avalanche with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
Gushchin brings something different to the table as a neutral winger, which sets him apart from Olausson, who is listed as a center. Realistically, Olausson wasn't in a position to challenge Jack Drury for the fourth-line center role anyway.
In fact, it wouldn't be surprising to see Gushchin slot in on the left wing of the fourth line, alongside Drury at center and Parker Kelly on the right.
He also provides the Avalanche with valuable lineup flexibility. Despite being a left-shot, he's a capable of playing either wing, allowing him to move around the bottom six as team needs evolve throughout the season.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 25 | 28 ANSWERS Avalanche make a very questionable move after latest blockbuster trade Do you think Danil Gushchin has an NHL future with the Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 21 | 75 % |
| no | 7 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||
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