It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The NHL is officially on break with the Four Nations Faceoff looming. However, general managers are probably still working on trades to improve their rosters. We’ve already seen some major moves in recent weeks. However, more may be coming before the March 7 trade deadline. One team that’s already made a big swing was the Colorado Avalanche. However, the Avalanche may not be done making moves. This edition of NHL rumours looks into a forward that could on the move again.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Colorado Avalanche Could Deal Young Forward
Rumour: Multiple outlets are speculating on the future of forward Casey Mittelstadt with the club. A number of places have the 26-year-old as part of a trade package as Colorado seeks to tinker with its roster some more.
Analysis: The Edina, Minn. native is a 2027 unrestricted free agent and currently makes $5.75 million. He came over from the Buffalo Sabres in a deal and has been playing over 17 minutes per game this season.
Mittelstadt has nine goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 57 games at the Four Nations break. His play on the offensive end has been decent at times. However, his play on the defensive end has been shaky at times. That trouble in his own end may make him part of a trade package as the Avalanche try to keep up in the Western Conference.
Chris Johnston of The Athletic mentioned that the centre’s name began surfacing in trade discussions after the Avalanche dealt away Mikko Rantanen. It seems that Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland isn’t done trying to land a big fish. However, he may have to give up a skilled player in order to make something happen.
What it Means
According to Johnston, “Mittelstadt has good hands and is known as a puck distributor and playmaker rather than a goal scorer.” However, it’s not just Johnston that’s been talking about the former University of Minnesota product as a subject of trade talks.
The Daily Face Off’s Matt Larkin said that Mittelstadt showed flashes of being Colorado’s second-line centre. However, he’s underachieved at times this season and looked more like a number three pivot. MacFarland has proven that he’s not afraid to make a deal and take a massive risk in the process.
Despite some of the concerns on the defensive end, Mittelstadt would help most lineups out. His playmaking skills could go a long way on a roster that needs some more offensive creativity. Larkin mentioned that a number of Eastern Conference clubs could be a good fit for the youngster.
Teams like the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets might be a good fit for Mittelstadt. However, the nearly $6 million cap number could scare off some clubs. Boston will have the problem of getting defenceman Hampus Lindholm back from long-term injured reserve. The B’s probably won’t have the cap space to make a move happen.
Columbus could be a good fit, but might have to part with Boone Jenner to make something happen. The Isles would probably use Mittelstadt as a stop-gap, but likely need a deeper retooling. The next few weeks could be a waiting game for Mittelstadt and the Avalance.
Main photo by: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
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