Avalanche Have Shown Interest In 2 Big Trade Targets

The Colorado Avalanche have yet to make a big move but have made a number of depth and minor moves so far this season. In an attempt to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, they will be looking for a big addition in the coming days before the trade deadline. The team has kicked tires on a couple of big names according to Adrian Dater. These names being John Klingberg and Sam Bennett.

Both players may very well be available. Klingberg is certainly available as the Anaheim Ducks are a bottom-feeder and a trade deadline seller, but the Florida Panthers are still in the playoff race. The wildcard race in the east changes every day, but as it currently stands, the Panthers are three points back with two more games played. They don't have the upper hand despite a stronger second half of the season. They also need to clear some space as Patric Hornqvist is expected to be back before the end of the season and the team doesn't have cap space for everyone.

This has kept Anthony Duclair, Sam Reinhart, and Bennett in the rumour mill as one of them will have to be moved. All have term, but Bennett fits the Avalanche's needs the best. The Panthers' centerman has two more years left on his deal at $4.425 million AAV and is a legitimate top-six player now. He plays a hard game, can score, and is on a good contract. He has 14 goals and 35 points in 56 games on the season after 28 goals and 49 points in 71 games last season. The Avalanche know what they would be getting and he can fill a void until Alex Newhook is ready to be the full-time second line center.

The Avalanche just brought Jack Johnson back from the Chicago Blackhawks in a depth deal, but seeing as Erik Johnson is week-to-week with an injury and the defence is regularly injured, they could be looking to ensure they have enough impactful players for another playoff run by bringing in Klingberg. If Cale Makar is out of the lineup, Klingberg would easily be able to fill in on the top unit. The Avalanche don't appear to be done making moves.