Avalanche reportedly inching closer to blockbuster trade to acquire former Cup hero
Photo credit: Andy Cross / The Denver Post
The Colorado Avalanche are actively trying to bolster their bottom-six forward depth and according to a recent report, they are highly interested in acquiring Stanley Cup champion and former Avalanche veteran forward J.T. Compher in a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Red Wings.
The Red Wings brought in Compher to provide veteran leadership following his role in helping the Avalanche capture the Stanley Cup in 2022, but things haven't quite gone as expected for him in Detroit.
Avalanche interested in bringing back a veteran forward.
Cole Shelton from Heavy.com writes that the Avalanche would be open to trading forward Ivan Ivan and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for Compher.
"The proposed deal would be an intriguing one as Detroit would acquire a young NHL forward who adds some more youth to the lineup, while the Avalanche re-acquire Compher to bolster their roster for another run at the Stanley Cup." -Shelton
The Red Wings are set to acquire Ivan, who is entering the final year of his two-year, $1.69 million contract. The 22-year-old undrafted player saw NHL action last season and could fill a third-line role for Detroit. Last season in the NHL, he notched 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points in 40 games. He also played 36 games in the AHL, adding 2 goals and 10 assists for 12 points.
"In return, the Red Wings would trade Compher back to the Avalanche. Colorado traded away Charlie Coyle, who didn't fit in with the Avalanche, and Compher would be a perfect replacement for him. He has three years left on his five-year, $25.5 million deal with the Red Wings. Compher recorded 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points in 76 games. He played seven years with the Avs, including winning the Cup in 2022." -Shelton
Facing the need to free up cap space, the Avalanche chose not to re-sign Compher, and the Red Wings quickly seized the opportunity to add him to their roster.
Compher made a return to Colorado in March 2024, expressing enthusiasm about returning and playing in front of the home crowd once more.
«These fans bring it, and it's a testament to the team that was built and how excited the fans have become about the product on the ice and the teams that have been throughout the years. It's going to be a great challenge. It's a game that we're excited for. We've done pretty good on the road, we embrace these challenges and we'll be excited for tonight.» -Compher
Compher was highly regarded by both teammates and coaches alike, with Colorado head coach Jared Bednar specifically praising the veteran centerman for his leadership and contributions.
«I think that he put in the work to become a great everyday NHL player - well-rounded player. We asked him to do a lot, like he was basically our Swiss Army knife for at least a handful of years. Young player comes in, good offensive ability, great skater - gets tougher and tougher every level you go up to be able to put the puck in the back of the net and help produce on a nightly basis. So he found other areas of his game that he strengthened and we used him in all areas.» -Bednar
During the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup run, Compher tallied 5 goals and 3 assists for a total of 8 points across 20 playoff games.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 16 | 35 ANSWERS Avalanche reportedly inching closer to blockbuster trade to acquire former Cup hero Should the Avalanche bring back J.T. Compher for the upcoming season? | ||
| yes | 24 | 68.6 % |
| no | 11 | 31.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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