NHL Rumors: Avalanche Moving Defenceman To Acquire Forward

The Colorado Avalanche are in desperate need of some help up front this season to improve their depth. They continue to have injury troubles throughout their team, but the defensive replacements have fared much better than the forwards who have been given a chance.

In order to make a big splash at the trade deadline, the Avalanche are likely going to have to trade one of their big earners on defence in Samuel Girard, per Frank Seravalli. He has a cap hit of $5 million AAV for four more seasons after this one and he hasn't been great for the past season and a half.

Girard currently has no trade protection, but that changes before the 2024-25 season. The team still has time, but needs to move out cap right now in order to make a big addition to their lineup and repeat as Stanley Cup champions. Right now they are fighting for a playoff spot and have a need for a second line centre in particular.

An impactful forward addition, rental or not, will have a significant cap hit even if salary is retained. Moving Girard would not only make room for Bowen Byram to play regular minutes in the top-four, but also give the Avalanche financial freedom for the following seasons.