Avalanche Trade Rumors: This Proposed Deal Lands Adam Henrique in Colorado

 The Anaheim Ducks are getting plenty of calls on center Adam Henrique, as he's the top pivot available on the trade front with less than two weeks till the deadline on March 8th. The 14-year veteran is an impending unrestricted free agent in the final season of a contract paying him a $5.825 million AAV. He's had a decent year with the Anaheim Ducks with 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points in 56 games.

The Colorado Avalanche have been looking for an upgrade in scoring in their middle six, and Henrique could fit the bill. With that, the NHL Network has proposed a three-way deal that could land the 34-year-old in Denver. 

Colorado Avalanche Receive: 

• Adam Henrique, C (25% contract retained by Ducks, 50% by Sabres)

Anaheim Ducks Receive:

• 2024 1st-Round Pick from Colorado

Buffalo Sabres Receive:

• 2024 4th-Round Pick from Colorado

This trade gets Henrique to the Avs at a very affordable cap hit of $1.456 million, given their extremely tight cap situation, with less than $500K of room. The Ducks get a first-rounder and only have to retain 25%, while the Sabres get a fourth-rounder for their trouble of picking up $2.91 million—50%—of Henrique's contract.

Former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau doesn't think Henrique is worth a first-round pick, however, calling him "maybe, on (the Avs), a third-line player." 

Insider Elliotte Friedman says while this is not a deal Colorado might make today, it could be something they would go back to at the deadline if they haven't been able to land a center by then. 

Photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports