In a surprising move, the Colorado Avalanche paid a hefty price in Tuesday’s NHL trades to dump a contract on the Pittsburgh Penguins. This decision was made in an effort to clear cap space and make room for potential future moves. While some may question the cost of this move, there is no doubt that the Avalanche are positioning themselves for success in the upcoming season.
The trade involved sending forward Carl Soderberg to the Penguins, along with a fourth-round draft pick, in exchange for defenseman Olli Maatta. This may seem like a steep price to pay for a cap dump, but when looking at the bigger picture, it is a strategic move by the Avalanche management.
First and foremost, the Avalanche have been pushing to free up cap space for quite some time now. With star players like Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog due for contract extensions in the near future, it was crucial for the team to create room under the salary cap. This move allows them to do just that, giving them more flexibility to make necessary signings and strengthen their roster.
But the cost of this trade goes beyond just the draft pick and player exchange. Soderberg was a valuable member of the Avalanche, playing a significant role in their success over the past few seasons. He was a consistent performer, recording 49 points in the 2018-2019 season and providing veteran leadership to the team. Losing him will undoubtedly leave a void on the ice, but the Avalanche were willing to make this sacrifice for the greater good of the team.
On the other hand, the addition of Olli Maatta brings a skilled defenseman to the Avalanche roster. Maatta has proven himself as a reliable player in the NHL, with solid defensive abilities and a strong presence on the blue line. He also brings valuable playoff experience, having won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017. His experience and skillset will be a valuable asset to the Avalanche as they aim to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
It is also worth noting that Maatta’s contract is more favorable for the Avalanche in terms of cap space. Soderberg had a cap hit of $4.75 million, while Maatta’s is only $4.083 million. This may not seem like a significant difference, but every little bit counts when it comes to managing the salary cap.
Some may argue that the Avalanche gave up too much in this trade, but it is important to remember that they had a specific goal in mind. They needed to clear cap space and they did just that. In the competitive landscape of the NHL, teams need to make tough decisions and sacrifices in order to stay at the top. The Avalanche made a bold move, but one that will ultimately benefit them in the long run.
As the NHL offseason continues, it is clear that the Avalanche are not done making moves. They have set themselves up for success with this trade, and it will be exciting to see how they utilize their newfound cap space. Fans can rest assured that the Avalanche management is making calculated decisions to improve the team and bring home the Stanley Cup.
In conclusion, while the Avalanche may have paid a high price for dumping a contract on the Penguins, it was a necessary move that will benefit the team in the long run. They have created much-needed cap space and added a skilled defenseman to their roster. With the upcoming season on the horizon, the Avalanche are in a strong position to make a serious push for the Stanley Cup. Let’s go Avs!