NHL Rumors: Avalanche Could Target 2 Star Forwards

During his most recent 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman noted that Claude Giroux could be a trade target for the Colorado Avalanche. Jeff Marek then said the same thing about Joe Pavelski.

Marek throws out Joe Pavelski's name as well as a possible fit with the Avs.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 24, 2022

Giroux has a no-movement clause, so he would have to approve a deal to the Avalanche. When looking at how the Philadelphia Flyers have a 13-20-8 record and are on an 11-game losing streak, the veteran could be open to a trade. Furthermore, the Avalanche would give him a good shot at winning his first Stanley Cup.

In 38 games this season, Giroux has 14 goals and 33 total points. It's once again been another strong offensive season for the 34-year-old. If acquired by Colorado, he would have a stronger cast of players to work with, too. He would make their forward group simply unbeatable.

Pavelski has a three-team trade list, so he would also have to okay a move to the Avalanche. If the Dallas Stars completely fall out of the playoff picture, it seems possible that he would. Just like Giroux, he has yet to win a Stanley Cup. With that, he is 37 years old, so he likely doesn't have too much time left in the league to do so, either.

However, even with him getting older, he is still having an excellent season. In 38 games, he has 16 goals and 43 points. Needless to say, he would also be a huge addition to the Avalanche if acquired.

Time will tell if the Avalanche make a huge splash by adding one of these two.