Sources reveal Avalanche are closing in on a stunning reunion with Stanley Cup-winning fan favourite
Photo credit: David Guralnick / Detroit News
Sources have revealed that the Avalanche may be interested in a trade that would land a stunning reunion with a former Colorado Stanley Cup champion in J.T. Compher.
Compher was part of Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup winning team.
Avalanche eyeing reunion for a Cup-winning veteran.
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that Compher departed the the Avalanche in 2023 as an unrestricted free agent. Colorado, amid a major revamp of its forward group that offseason, made a strong push to re-sign him, negotiating right up until the end.
But when it became clear an agreement wasn't possible, GM Chris MacFarland pivoted, acquiring Ross Colton via trade and inking him to a four-year, $16 million contract extension.
"The now 30-year-old has three years remaining on his contract at $5.1 million. He took a major step back this past season after a strong 2023-24 in Detroit. Compher's best season was in 2022-23 with the Avs. He had 17 goals and 52 points while playing a career-high 20:32 per game." -Deen
Compher saw a decline last season, finishing with 11 goals, 32 points, and averaging just 16:41 of ice time, his lowest mark since 2022. Those numbers are more reflective of a third-line center. Detroit originally signed him to play in a top-six role, but that proved to be a poor fit. He was for more effective in Colorado, where he spent three seasons playing in a supporting role behind stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri.
"At this rate, the Wings would be happy to give him away for free, or for minimal assets. They don't need the cap space as much as the roster spot for one of their young prospects to get a better look at NHL minutes." -Deen
The Avalanche won't, and shouldn't, bring back Compher at his full $5.1 million cap hit. They just moved Charlie Coyle's $5.125 million contract to create cap flexibility, not to swap it out for a similar number tied to a longer commitment.
"But what if the Red Wings retain? Does Compher make sense at $4 million? That might still be a little too high. How about $3-$3.5 million? Or, if the Wings really want to get away from this player, could the Avs convince their management to retain the maximum 50% of his salary? If so, that means Compher would be back for three years at $2.55 million per season." -Deen
There may be a better fits available in terms of roster needs and career trajectory, but few would come as cheaply. If the Red Wings are willing to retain a significant portion of Compher's salary, he could realistically settle into a fourth-line role behind Drury over the next few seasons, and at that point, it wouldn't be an overpayment.
Regardless, Compher still has plenty of hockey left and could quietly be one of the more intriguing buy-low options on the market.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 10 | 16 ANSWERS Sources reveal Avalanche are closing in on a stunning reunion with Stanley Cup-winning fan favourite Should the Avalanche trade for former Stanley Cup champion J.T. Compher? | ||
| yes | 8 | 50 % |
| no | 8 | 50 % |
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