Avalanche reportedly targeting another depth forward ahead of next season
Photo credit: Matt Marton / Imagn Images
Reports suggest that the Colorado Avalanche are exploring the possibility of adding Chicago Blackhawks goal scoring forward Ilya Mikheyev to their roster ahead of the upcoming NHL season.
Bringing in a player like Mikheyev, who offers speed, penalty-killing ability, and depth scoring, could be exactly the type of move the Avalanche are looking for as they continue to strengthen their lineup for another Stanley Cup push.
Avalanche reportedly interested in Ilya Mikheyev.
Rob Couch from The Hockey News writes that the Avalanche's depth remains a concern, and an upgrade is almost inevitable this season. They're a strong playoff team, but the bottom six forward group is where reinforcements are most likely, with one or two additions expected by the trade deadline.
While several players got a brief look in the NHL last year, most are AHL-level talents who won't provide what the Avalanche need in a playoff lineup.
"Mikheyev would provide strong defensive play from the third or fourth line and add more scoring, which is what Colorado has desperately needed from their depth these past number of years." -Couch
The Blackhawks are widely projected to finish near the bottom of the standings, and it makes sense because this roster isn't yet ready to push for a playoff spot.
That reality points toward another season of selling off assets that don't fit into their long-term plans. While most of the offseason work appears to be finished, those moves are more likely to come at the trade deadline or just before it.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
POLL |
SEPTEMBRE 2 | 22 ANSWERS Avalanche reportedly targeting another depth forward ahead of next season Do you think the Avalanche should target forward Ilya Mikheyev ahead of next season? |
yes | 17 | 77.3 % |
no | 5 | 22.7 % |
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