“Makar Number” Means No Kadri in Colorado: Maple Leafs Center New Target?

Elliotte Friedman delivered some interesting news when it comes to the Colorado Avalanche and what they may be planning to do at this season’s trade deadline. When asked if a reunion with Nazem Kadri – the sentimental theory – would be possible, Friedman hesitated as he spoke on the TNT panel. He asked what seemed like a rhetorical question as he tossed the softball, “What do you think the Makar number is going to be?”

Friedman had already locked and loaded the response.

When Paul Bissonnette suggested $18 or $19 million per season, Friedman added:

“Everything Colorado does is about that Makar number. Everything they do is about that number. When it comes to a player with term, when I ask around what they’re up to, it’s always about protecting themselves from Makar’s number.”

Related: “Frustrated” Malkin confirms Penguins have concluded contract talks

Friedman added that he didn’t think the Calgary Flames are crazy about the idea of ​​withholding Kadri’s salary. “So unless Colorado can find a way to make that work or not get the number so high, I think it’s going to be very difficult.” He added, “One of the centers I’ve heard that could end up in Colorado is Scott Laughton, and he would be more of a rental property.”

Friedman likes the idea of ​​Kadri in Colorado, but he just doesn’t see it logistically.

Does the Trocheck rumor change AVS plans?

In the same interview, Friedman said he liesves Minnesota is going for Vincent Trocheck, and they have a firm offer on him. “I think Trocheck is the guy on their list. I think they have something, and it’s up to the Rangers to make that decision. Do they take the Wild’s offer or can they go somewhere else?”

If the Wild Trocheck lands, it will be interesting to see if the Avalanche feels the need to keep pace before March 6. The Wild are already strong, and Trocheck would make them stronger. The Avs would consider a matchup with the Wild, and improvement would be imperative.

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