NHL Rumors: 2 Colorado Avalanche Trade Candidates

The Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche are enjoying themselves this offseason as the celebration with the Cup is ongoing. While each member of the organization enjoys their day with Lord Stanley, general manager Joe Sakic has been busy trying to do whatever he can to run it back next season.

Forward Nazem Kadri remains a free agent and while there's been some ties to the New York Islanders, the conversation is still open on Kadri returning to Mile High. If that's going to be the case, someone will need to be moved, here's two Avs trade candidates:

Samuel Girard

The Avalanche are likely going to do whatever they can to keep their young defenseman but unfortunately may need to move Girard if they want to lock in Kadri. The 24-year-old blueliner is signed through the 2026-27 season at $5 million per season and last season recorded 28 points in 67 games. Girard only appeared in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games and had to watch Bowen Byram take over his spot in the depth chart. The Avs blue line is very deep, they may be best to find a cheaper replacement for Girard so they can hold onto Kadri.

J.T Compher

The 27-year-old forward is a pending unrestricted free agent, making $3.5 million against the cap. By moving his contract, Sakic would have 7.4 million available to work with, enough to sign Kadri long term. Compher tallied 18 goals in 70 games last season and chipped in with eight points in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Colorado should prioritize Kadri over Compher.