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 their top priority.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are falling in the championship hunt, and could have two options for the Avs – Scott Laughton and Nicolas Roy.
Laughton is a pending UFA that comes with a cap hit of $1.5 million. He hasn’t put up offensive numbers in the fourth role since the Leafs threw away his first playoff and deadline opportunity last year. He is a leader on and off the ice.
Roy kills penalties, has a high critical and is 53.6% in the faceoff circle. He has one year left on his $3 million contract. They may fit better, but they may cost more.
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Another bargain, options for the Vancouver Canucks’ rebuilding project
Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal of the Athletic: A look at some of the rebuilding 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 for less than 50 points (again) while playing second-line minutes.
Ville Heinola – LD – Winnipeg Jets – Has not been able to crack the roster since being drafted 20th overall in 2019. It will be Team VI UFA this offseason.
Isak Rosen – RW – Buffalo Sabers – The Sabers have a variety of similar players on their roster and will be looking to buy at the deadline. Could the Sabers be interested in a veteran center like Teddy Blueger? The Sabers may want to clear Jordan Greenway’s contract.
Marco Kasper – C – Detroit Red Wings – Goes through a second breakdown after trying him in the middle. Back on the wing with Dylan Larkin and Mason Raymond now.
Cole Perfetti – RW – Winnipeg Jets – He may not break 40 points, in the final year of his bridge deal. He may not see fit for a long time.
Fedor Svechkov – C – Nashville Predators – Just nine points in 49 games after 17 points in 57 games last season. A bottom-six center who will lose a spot on the depth chart when Brady Martin is ready.
Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski – LD – Chicago Blackhawks – They have plenty of young defensemen. Korchinski can be more expensive to buy, as its ceiling may be higher.
Alex Turcotte – C/LW – Los Angeles Kings – Drafted 5th overall, and it doesn’t look like he’ll live up to that position. If given more opportunity on the third line, he may produce more. He had 25 points in 68 games last season while averaging just 11:44 a night.
NHL Rumors: Vancouver Canucks, Buyers and Sellers
Matthew Poitras – C – Boston Bruins – He went down the depth chart this season and could go down even further next year. The Bruins may be looking to the future, which is what the Canucks want, so there may not be a deal.
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