Should the Colorado Avalanche look to the Toronto Maple Leafs for center?
Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche could add depth with a middle-six winger, but a third-line center could be a bigger priority for them.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are out of the playoff hunt and could have two potential options for the Avs: Scott Laughton and Nicolas Roy.
Laughton is a pending UFA who has a cap hit of $1.5 million. He hasn’t put up the offensive numbers in a fourth-line role since the Leafs gave up a first and a chance for him at the deadline last year. He is a leader on and off the ice.
Roy kills penalties, has more offensive upside and is 53.6% in the faceoff circle. He has one year left on his contract for $3 million. Maybe it fits better, but costs more.
NHL Rumors: Patience could be key for the Maple Leafs with Bobby McMann
Some possible buy-low recovery project options for the Vancouver Canucks
Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal of The Athletic: A look at some ‘buy low’ reclamation projects the Vancouver Canucks should consider as they look to rebuild their roster.
Alexis Lafreniere – LW – New York Rangers. The 24-year-old has seven seasons left at $7.5 million and is on pace (again) for fewer than 50 points while playing second-line minutes.
Ville Heinola – LD – Winnipeg Jets – Never been able to crack the lineup since being drafted 20th overall in 2019. Will be a Group VI UFA this season.
Isak Rosen – RW – Buffalo Sabers – The Sabers have similar wingers on their roster and they will be looking to acquire at the deadline. Would the Sabers be interested in a veteran center like Teddy Blueger? The Sabers may want to move Jordan Greenway’s contract.
Marco Kasper – C – Detroit Red Wings – Had a sophomore slump after they tried him at center. Back on the wing with Dylan Larkin and Mason Raymond now.
Cole Perfetti – RW – Winnipeg Jets – Shouldn’t break 40 points in the final year of his bridge deal. He may not see a long-term relationship.
Fedor Svechkov – C – Nashville Predators – Only nine points in 49 games after 17 points in 57 games last season. Middle six who will drop a spot on the depth chart when Brady Martin is ready.
Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski – LD – Chicago Blackhawks – They have a surplus of young defensemen. Acquiring Korchinski would be more expensive because his ceiling may be higher.
Alex Turcotte – C/LW – Los Angeles Kings – 5th overall, and it doesn’t look like he’ll live up to that status. If he gets more opportunities on the third line, he might be able to produce a little more. He scored 25 points in 68 games last season while averaging just 11:44 per night.
NHL Rumors: Vancouver Canucks, Buyers and Sellers
Matthew Poitras – C – Boston Bruins – Dropped down the depth chart this season and could fall even further next year. The Bruins may be looking for the future, which is what the Canucks are looking for, so a deal may not happen.
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