NHL Rumors: Avalanche Linked To Veteran Winger

According to Stefan Rosner of NYI Hockey Now, the Colorado Avalanche are interested in New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck.

After making the Eastern Conference Final two years in a row, the Islanders have fallen off dramatically this season. At this time, they have an 18-20-7 record and are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline because of it. Clutterbuck is a prime rental candidate from them, as he is in the final year of his contract.

For a deal to occur between these two teams, the Islanders would likely need to retain some of Clutterbuck's $3.5 million cap hit. Yet, if it results in them getting a third- or fourth-round pick for the pending UFA, it would be worth it.

The Avalanche are Stanley Cup favorites this season. However, they could use a bit more grit in their bottom six, and Clutterbuck provides just that. In 45 games this season, the 34-year-old has five goals, six assists, and a whopping 185 hits. Adding a player like him in their lineup would make them even more challenging to play against. Yet, due to this element of his game, they likely won't be the only team interested.

Alas, we will have to wait and see if Clutterbuck ends up in Colorado soon.