BREAKING: Latest report has the Avalanche closing in on a blockbuster trade with divisional rival
Photo credit: AP / John Locher
The Colorado Avalanche currently have only $8.7 million in available cap space for the 2025-26 season. With multiple roster spots set to open once free agency kick off, trade speculation is already starting to build.
It's rare to see high-profile players moved via trade, and even more unusual for them to be dealt within their own division. But that could could change this offseason, especially with the intriguing scenario I have in mind.
Avalanche closing in on a blockbuster trade with the Nashville Predators.
Graham Tiedtke from Mile High Sticking writes the Avalanche are aiming to improve their roster despite facing a tight salary cap. Rather than spending most of their remaining cap space on a top free agent, they could easy the financial strain by making a player-for-player trade, sending out a contract with a similar value to the one they take on, effectively upgrading without a major cap hit.
"Specifically, I'm thinking Colorado could move a guy such as Ross Colton for Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators. We even saw a trade between these two teams as recently as last season, when the Avs shipped goaltender Justus Annunen there." -Tiedtke
The deal would only cost the Avalanche an additional $105 million in cap space, while the Predators would take on the same amount. By moving Marchessault's $5.5 million contract, Nashville would gain financial flexibility, and Colorado would get a proven scorer.
At first glance, Tiedtke also writes that it might not seem ideal for the Avs, but with the potential loss of Brock Nelson and Jonathan Drouin in free agency, acquiring Marchessault could be a smart contingency plan.
"Colorado would then have one less hole to fill, while using their remaining cap space to fill the remaining holes. Heck, it would not surprise me that much if they re-signed most of their unrestricted free agents, besides the two higher-dollar players (Nelson and Drouin). It's just one of those times where the Avalanvhe can't go out and sign anybody they want. Thought has to be put into how to manage this situation." -Tiedtke
While Marchessault tallied just 21 goals this past season with the Predators, it's worth remembering he scored 42 the year before with the Vegas Golden Knights. He might not replicate that level of production in Colorado, but he could still serve as a reliable option at the second-line center spot.
If Nelson and Drouin both walk in free agency, head coach Jared Bednar could deploy Marchessault in a flexible role, slotting him in different positions depending on matchups and team needs.
Marchessault is locked in to his contract until the 2029-30 season, in which he would be 39 years old.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Colorado Avalanche could make this in-division trade to gain some cap space
Mile High Sticking
Colorado Avalanche could make this in-division trade to gain some cap space
| POLL | ||
JUIN 2 | 31 ANSWERS BREAKING: Latest report has the Avalanche closing in on a blockbuster trade with divisional rival Would you want the Avalanche to trade for Jonathan Marchessault this offseason? | ||
| yes | 16 | 51.6 % |
| no | 15 | 48.4 % |
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