Recent report reveals Avalanche were close to striking shocking deal to land rising star from Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Claus Andersen / Editor In Leaf
A recent report reveals that the Colorado Avalanche were on the verge of finalizing a deal to acquire rising star forward Pontus Holmberg from the Toronto Maple Leafs, coming remarkably close to adding a major talent to their roster before the deal ultimately fell through.
However, it seems the Tampa Bay Lightning have thrown a wrench into those plans by signing the free agent shortly after.
Avalanche came close to striking a blockbuster deal.
Ignacio Cairola from BolaVIP writes that while teams often explore behind-the-scenes possibility during free agent negotiations, the Avalanche were reportedly eyeing one of Auston Matthews/ former teammates in Toronto, though in the end, they couldn't get a deal across the finish line.
Here's what Sportsnet's NHL insider Elliotte Friedman had to say on a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast.
His remark implies that the Avalanche had given serious thought to bringing in the young forward as a complementary piece alongside Nathan MacKinnon.
«I heard there were a lot of good teams that were after Pontus Holmberg, I heard Colorado was one of them." -Friedman
While Colorado ultimately missed out on Holmberg, the Swedish forward signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning, following Toronto's decision not to extend him a qualifying offer. The contract carries a $1.55 million AAV.
Holmberg played each of his first three NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs, appearing in 68 games last year while tallying seven goals and 19 assists. The 6-foot, 200-pound forward has suited up in 159 career NHL games, amassing 19 goals and 49 points to date.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 17 | 35 ANSWERS Recent report reveals Avalanche were close to striking shocking deal to land rising star from Maple Leafs Do you think the Avalanche will regret not signing rising star forward Pontus Holmberg when they had the chance? | ||
| yes | 12 | 34.3 % |
| no | 23 | 65.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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