Avalanche Rumors: Proposed Colorado Trade That Could Land Elias Lindholm

With impending UFA Elias Lindholm still at the top of all trade boards (pending a decision by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Jake Guentzel), we've been taking a look at proposed trade packages from interested teams that could land them the Calgary Flames' veteran two-way center. 

The Colorado Avalanche would be a perfect fit for Lindholm, and vice-versa, as the Avs could use a boost to their center depth to make another serious run at the Stanley Cup. 

Corey Pronman and Julian McKenzie of The Athletic have put together a proposed trade package that could make sense for both sides:

Avalanche Receive:

Elias Lindholm

Flames Receive:

• Calum Ritchie, C
• Logan O'Connor, RW
• Colorado 1st-Round Pick, 2024 NHL Draft

No doubt that Flames fans would want to get their hands on the Avs' No. 4 overall selection in the 2019 Draft, defenseman Bowen Byram, but it's highly unlikely that Colorado would give him up. 

Instead, the Flames would get themselves a first-round pick from last year's draft in Ritchie, who's having a tremendous season with the OHL's Oshawa Generals with 16 goals, 31 assists and 47 points in 28 games. As McKenzie notes, "the skating ability and skill in Calum Ritchie could be very appealing for the Flames".

In addition, O'Connor could step right into Calgary's middle-six. The right winger is having a fine season, and with five goals in his last three games, has lit the lamp 13 times to go along with 11 assists for 24 points in 47 games, with a very strong plus/minus rating of +17. He holds a $1.5 million cap hit for one more season. 

And of course, the first-rounder in this year's draft should produce another top prospect for the system for Calgary. 

We've also broken down other proposed trade packages for Lindholm that could come from the Boston Bruins, and from division rival Vancouver Canucks. 

Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports