On the Colorado Avalanche …
Adrian Dater: Don’t think that the Avalanche are actively trying to move defenseman Tyson Barrie.
Darren Dreger: Pat Brisson, Matt Duchene‘s agent met with Avs GM Joe Sakic at the end of the first round and then spoke with Predators GM David Poile afterwards.
Darren Dreger: That the Predators are interested in Duchene but they don’t want to give up a defenseman. There is work to be done and should be interesting.
BSN Avalanche: “In regards to Dreger’s tweets about Sakic/Brisson/Poile, this is obviously an extremely fluid situation. Nothing off the table.”
AJ Haefele of BSN Denver: GM Joe Sakic held firm on his asking price for Matt Duchene. When asked about the last of action:
“We’re open to ways to improve our club but there’s nothing to talk about really. Matt’s a great hockey player. Why wouldn’t you want him on our team? We need to add skill and speed to our lineup. When it comes to bringing in a younger guy, we’re deciding on the direction to go. Are we there yet? We’re building to get there. That’s not an overnight thing but we love the younger guys we do have,” Sakic told BSNDenver.
The Avalanche have the first pick in the second round, No. 32, and then don’t pick again until fourth round, No. 94. They sent their third round pick to the New Jersey for Eric Gelinas at the 2016 trade deadline. If they are going to add more early round picks, they may have to trade down from No. 32.
Sakic on free agency.
“We don’t plan on attacking free agency. Our plan is to stay young and keep building that way. I’m not saying we’re not going to do anything, we’re not looking to do anything big,” Sakic said.
Defenseman Nikita Zadorov is a restricted free agent, with the Avs already having sent him an offer.
“We’re waiting on him to be honest with you. In fact, he’s got a contract offer,” Sakic said.