Should the Colorado Avalanche look to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a center?
Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche could look to add depth with a middle-six winger, but a third-line center could be a bigger priority for them.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are falling out of the playoff hunt, and could have two potential options for the Avs – Scott Laughton and Nicolas Roy.
Laughton is a pending UFA that comes with a $1.5 million cap hit. He hasn’t put up the offensive numbers in a fourth-line role since the Leafs gave up a first and a prospect for him at the deadline last year. He’s a leader on and off the ice.
Roy kills penalties, has more offensive upside and is 53.6% in the faceoff circle. He has a year left on his contract at $3 million. He may be a better fit, but would cost more.
NHL Rumors: Patience May be the Key for the Maple Leafs with Bobby McMann
Some possible buy-low, reclamation 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 towards rebuilding their roster.
Alexis Lafreniere – LW – New York Rangers. The 24-year-old has seven seasons left at $7.5 million and is on pace for under 50 points (again) 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 offseason.
Isak Rosen – RW – Buffalo Sabres – The Sabres have similar wingers on their roster and they’ll be looking to buy at the deadline. Would the Sabres be interested in a veteran center like Teddy Blueger? The Sabres may want to move Jordan Greenway‘s contract.
Marco Kasper – C – Detroit Red Wings – Going through 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 – May not break 40 points, in the last year of his bridge deal. He may not see a long-term fit.
Fedor Svechkov – C – Nashville Predators – Only nine points in 49 games after 17 points in 57 games last season. Bottom-six center who’ll drop a spot on the depth chart if Brady Martin is ready.
Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski – LD – Chicago Blackhawks – They have a surplus of young defensemen. Korchinski would cost more to acquire, as his ceiling may be higher.
Alex Turcotte – C/LW – Los Angeles Kings – Drafted 5th overall, and it’s not looking like he’ll live up to that status. If given more opportunity on the third line, he might produce a little more. He has 25 points in 68 games last season while only averaging 11:44 a 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 futures, which is what the Canucks are looking for, so a deal may not be there.
If you love our reporting, choose NHLrumors.com as a preferred source on Google.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and hot topics from around the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.
