{"id":69263,"date":"2020-02-20T12:00:59","date_gmt":"2020-02-20T17:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=69263"},"modified":"2020-12-21T14:58:43","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T19:58:43","slug":"nhl-trade-rumours-colorado-avalanche-toronto-maple-leafs-and-vegas-golden-knights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2020\/02\/20\/nhl-trade-rumours-colorado-avalanche-toronto-maple-leafs-and-vegas-golden-knights\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Trade Rumours: Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, And Vegas Golden Knights"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’ve got a set of NHL trade rumours for today. The trade deadline is five days away and the deals are happening. Last Word on Hockey will bring you the best trade news and analysis as soon as it breaks. Today’s NHL Trade Rumours feature the Colorado Avalanche<\/a>, Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>, and Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NHL Trade Rumours<\/h2>\n

Colorado Avalanche<\/h3>\n

Rumour: Elliotte Friedman indicated in Monday’s 31 Thoughts that the Colorado Avalanche are more interested in a moderate move over one for a star.<\/em><\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/FriedgeHNIC\/status\/1229880108783218688?s=20<\/p>\n

Analysis:\u00a0<\/em>The Colorado Avalanche trade strategy<\/a> is one of the more interesting at this stage. Their top-nine is battered and they have lost<\/a> their starting goaltender as well. They have the assets for a big trade but those same assets could be in the NHL as soon as next season. Colorado’s combination of cap space and a deep prospect pool means they can do just about anything.<\/p>\n

Trading for a middle-six player instead of a Chris Kreider<\/a><\/strong> or Jean-Gabriel Pageau<\/a> <\/strong>seems like the smart move. The top options on the trade market will cost a great deal in picks and prospects. Colorado doesn’t want to trade for a rental and their looming free agents will command significant financial attention. Stars Gabriel Landeskog<\/a><\/strong>, Cale Makar<\/a><\/strong> and Philipp Grubauer<\/a><\/strong> all reach free agency at the same time.<\/p>\n

The most cost-effective option for Colorado in this scenario would be someone like Joe Thornton<\/a> <\/b>of the San Jose Sharks<\/a>. The 40-year-old centre has not expressed interest in leaving San Jose or waiving his No Movement Clause but would be an outstanding support player. He has two goals and 23 points in 59 games this year. Those aren’t great numbers but Thornton next to dynamic players like Makar and Nathan MacKinnon<\/a><\/strong> could be devastating on the power play. Adding Thornton would be similar to when the Avs added Ray Bourque<\/strong><\/a> for the 2001 Stanley Cup run.<\/p>\n

Vegas Golden Knights<\/h3>\n

Rumour: Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News recently revealed that the Golden Knights could be looking for one more defenceman before the deadline.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Hearing Vegas may not be finished adding to their blueline…<\/p>\n

— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) February 20, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n