Two former Avalanche forwards are once again caught in the crossfire of shocking trade talk
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing / The Globe and Mail
Former Colorado Avalanche first-rounder Casey Mittelstadt is reportedly back on the trade market, with new rumours suggesting he could be on the move once again as the offseason heats up.
One of the many teams who have recently shown interest in Mittelstadt are the Detroit Red Wings.
Former Avalanche forward Casey Mittelstadt reportedly back on the trade block.
Ryan O'Hara from Octopus Thrower writes that from a roster-building persecutive, moving on from J.T. Compher's contract should be high on the Detroit Red Wings' priority list. However, not every trade rumour is worth entertaining.
The latest speculation links Detroits to a deal that would send forward Mittelstadt from the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman William Lagesson and a 2026 third-round-pick, a proposal that, at first glance, raises more questions than it answers.
"Let's pause for a moment and examine the logic. Some critics suggest that this proposed trade may be an indication the Red Wings are preparing to move on from Compher. But one has to ask: on what basis? Is arithmetic no longer part of the conversation?" -O'Hara
Compher carries a $5.10 million cap hit. Are we actually going to believe Detroit is so desperate to move that deal that it would willingly take on an even larger contract, especially for a player coming off an underwhelming stretch? The numbers don't support it. Neither does the on-ice performance.
Mittelstadt is entering the second season of a three-year, $17.25 million contract originally signed with the Avalanche just 13 months ago. That stint didn't last long, he was dealt to the Bruins just eight months later in a swap for Charlie Coyle.
"Since arriving in Boston, the 26-year-old-once the 8th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft-has failed to find his footing, registering just six points (four goals, two assists) in 18 appearances.
Since recording a career-high 59 points with the Buffalo Sabres during the 2022-23 campaign, Casey Mittelstadt's offensive output has steadily declined. His 18-game stint with the Bruins, in particular, was forgettable at best." -O'Hara
Since recording a career-high 59 points with the Buffalo Sabres during the 2022-23 campaign, Casey Mittelstadt's offensive output has steadily declined. His 18-game stint with the Bruins, in particular, was forgettable at best." -O'Hara
For the Red Wings to part with a draft pick in exchange for an overpaid and undisciplined player would border on organizational malpractice.
"If this is genuinely the direction being considered behind closed doors, the best move would simply be to retain Compher. He is, after all, a proven winner with a Stanley Cup on his résumé." -O'Hara
Instead of trading a known asset for one whose value is declining, the Red Wings would be better served by maximizing what Compher can still offer. One thing is clear: swapping him out for Mittelstadt is not an upgrade.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 5 | 14 ANSWERS Two former Avalanche forwards are once again caught in the crossfire of shocking trade talk Which former Avalanche forward is likely to get traded before the start of next season? | ||
| yes | 8 | 57.1 % |
| no | 6 | 42.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
