According to The Hockey News, the Colorado Avalanche are Wild Cards in terms of the trade deadline. That basically means they could buy or sell. If you take a look at the standings, they don’t look so good. Selling should be the option they go with and I think the Winnipeg Jets should capitalize.
The Colorado Avalanche haven’t actually been a playoff team for a while, and yet again they’re out of contention. They have a few rental players and even some guys with a few years left who would make sense for the Winnipeg Jets.
Blake Comeau
Blake Comeau is a veteran player who might make sense on the Jets if the price was right. He’s a 32 year old left winger and his contract ends at the end of this season, so he’s just a temporary rental. Based on the price Mark Letestu went for, I can’t see Comeau being worth much more than that. I think we could grab him off Colorado’s hands for a fourth round pick.
He currently plays on the Avalanche’s third line, and would slot in either in our third or fourth line. He has 10 goals and 12 assists in 58 games. He’s worth it, only if the price is right.
Mark Barbeiro
Mark Barbeiro is one of the few defensemen I included on my trading lists for the Winnipeg Jets. He would bolster our depth, and provide some extra insurance on the back end if the Jets went sour with injuries. Barbeiro brought a few points to the board, with 3 goals and 10 assists in 44 games.
Colorado acquired Barbeiro last season after claiming him off waivers from Montreal. I’m not sure what he’d go for now, but it would likely be cheap knowing he’s a UFA this summer.
Next: Winnipeg Jets Trade Deadline: Wheelin’ and Dealin’ with Detroit
A few others…
Nail Yakupov – Yakupov is one of the NHL’s biggest busts. A first overall pick who can’t crack 35 points in a season? That’s bad. He is, however, on a fairly affordable deal. Maybe the the Winnipeg Jets feel like taking a risk on him. It could pay off or just could be a waste of time.
Colin Wilson – Colin is one of my favourite players. He has had some injury problems, but if you look past that, he’s a really good player. If you can keep him healthy he can be one of the top players on your team. His Corsi is also very impressive, year after year. Colin could pay off in his hometown Winnipeg. I think a deal for him would strike lots of interest among fans as well, since he’s from here.
Gabriel Bourque – Bourque is a depth player who could provide insurance down the stretch. He’s just a rental.