Eurolanche

Analysis of yesterday’s trades

Mikkel Boedker

The Avalanche made waves, as they were part of yesterday’s first big trade, sending forward Alex Tanguay and prospects Conner Bleackley and Kyle Wood to Arizona in exchange for winger Mikkel Boedker. Rumors about Boedker being dealt have been around for quite some time, as the forward will be an unrestricted free agent after the season and will be looking to get a significant rise from his current $3.75 million salary. However, Boedker’s addition boosts Colorado’s hope for a play-off spot, as the 26-year-old Dane is an immediate upgrade on the wing. The Avs’ Top 6 will be a lot scarier with the acquisition of the skilled and speedy forward, who can play both on the right and left wing. In 445 career NHL games, the former 8^th overall pick in 2008 scored 80 goals and 213 points. He’s been one of Arizona’s better forwards this season, recording 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) in 62 games. Boedker has borderline 50 points-per-season potential and his stats should benefit from playing with the likes of Matt Duchene or Nathan MacKinnon.

Boedker will provide the team's Top 6 with speed and skill

What did Colorado have to give up in order to get Boedker? In trading Tanguay, the Avalanche offloaded a veteran, whose overall performance is trending downwards and who will become an unrestricted free agent after the end of the season. Although Tanguay is a fan favorite and cult player, he no longer made any significant impact during games and at times seemed like a mere shadow of his former self. Bleackley and Wood were both drafted in 2014, but neither of them got signed to an entry-level contract. This is particularly interesting in Bleackley’s case, as the forward was drafted 23^rd overall and there haven’t been many first-round picks, who don’t even get signed to an entry-level deal. Bleackley failed to impress at both pre-season camps he attended, as coaches criticized his skating and him being reportedly out of shape. As if it wasn’t enough, his junior team, the Red Deer Rebels, stripped him of his captaincy before the start of the season. If the Coyotes won’t sign him before July 1, they will receive a compensational pick in the 2^nd round in this year’s draft. Wood has had some injury trouble this season, but has rebounded well, recording 35 points in 40 games for the North Bay Battalion.

Despite being drafted 23rd overall, Bleackley wasn't signed to an entry-level contract

Overall, the trade benefits both sides, as Colorado gets an immediate upgrade on the wing, while the Coyotes receive a veteran leader and a pair of prospects, who weren’t part of the Avalanche’s long-term plan. Boedker fits the concept of one of the wingers of the team’s top offensive lines, yet the success of the trade depends on whether Boedker will sign with the Avalanche and if he’ll sign at a reasonable cost. Time will tell if Boedker will find chemistry with his new teammates and if he’ll be part of the team’s future.

Eric Gelinas

Even after acquiring Boedker, the Avalanche weren’t done for the day, as they brought in defenseman Eric Gelinas from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 3^rd round pick in 2017. The 24-year-old has appeared in 156 NHL games, recording 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists). The 6’4’’ defenseman has another year on his contract at a $1.6 million cap hit. The arrival of Gelinas is a welcomed sight for Avalanche fans, who’ve been wishing for a defensive addition for a long time. Although Gelinas isn’t a Top 4 defenseman, he’ll be a good shutdown partner for the likes of Tyson Barrie or Chris Bigras. Gelinas has been one of New Jersey’s better defensemen, but has had a rough season so far and has been a healthy scratch for several games. Even though the Avalanche didn’t get an elite defenseman, they certainly upgraded their defensive corps without having to pay a ransom in order to do so. One just needs to look at the price it took for Dallas to acquire defenseman Kris Russell. Gelinas’ play in his own zone is certainly an upgrade over Andrew Bodnarchuk and Nick Holden. Also, Coach Roy has some experience with the former 54^th overall pick, as he spent four seasons in the QMJHL.

Although not the Top 4 defenseman the fans wanted, Gelinas will be a boost for the Avalanche's struggling defense

Taylor Beck 

The third and final trade the Avalanche made before the deadline saw center Marc-Andre Cliche going to the New York Islanders in exchange for winger Taylor Beck. The former 70^th overall pick in 2009 will report to San Antonio, where he’ll play for a new contract, as the 24-year-old will be a restricted free agent at season’s end. Beck has appeared in 87 career NHL games so far, recording 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists). Beck is certainly an upgrade over Cliche, being younger and having more potential and could prove to be a solid addition in the near future.

Beck has appeared in two NHL games this season

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Avalanche acquires Boedker from Arizona

Avs acquire Gelinas from New Jersey

Colorado acquires Beck from Islanders