Central Division's latest blockbuster is reportedly pushing an Avalanche rival toward a copycat move
Trade chatter around Rasmus Andersson, Dallas Stars rumors, and Colorado Avalanche roster math is picking up fast, and it matters even without a direct Avs link.
One major Central Division deal is reportedly setting the stage for an Avalanche rival to respond.
Rasmus Andersson, 28, is a right shot defenseman with real weight. He has logged heavy minutes in Calgary for years, posted 50 points as recently as 2021, and plays a style teams trust in the playoffs.
The key detail is leverage. With other high end defensemen off the market, the Flames can wait, and they know contenders are getting nervous as spring creeps closer.
For the Avalanche, this kind of market inflation always matters. Colorado lives in the second tier of trade shopping, never reckless, always precise, and prices like this shape what is even possible.
As an Avs fan watching this, it feels like another reminder that the blue line market is unforgiving right now, and patience might be the only winning play.
The Stars are the headline team, but the ripple effect hits Denver. If Dallas pays a premium, the rest of the division feels it, especially when Colorado still needs stability behind Cale Makar.
The Avs already invested in Devon Toews long term and rely heavily on Josh Manson when healthy. The question is whether the third pair and depth options can survive a long playoff grind.
Andersson's contract situation is part of the squeeze. He is in the final year of his deal, which opens the door for a sign and trade that pushes the return even higher.
That is where Colorado likely bows out. The Avalanche do not have spare first rounders or blue chip prospects to throw into a bidding war without creating another hole elsewhere.
Still, the market matters. Every defenseman that costs too much narrows options and nudges Chris MacFarland toward internal solutions or smaller, smarter adds.
The Avs do not need to win the splashy trade of the season. They need functional minutes, clean exits, and a defense group that survives April without leaking goals.
If Dallas swings big, Colorado will adjust quietly. That has been the formula before, and it may be the only one that still fits.
Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily
| POLL |
DECEMBRE 18 | 31 ANSWERS Central Division's latest blockbuster is reportedly pushing an Avalanche rival toward a copycat move Should Colorado Avalanche chase another defenseman at the trade deadline? |
| Yes | 10 | 32.3 % |
| No | 21 | 67.7 % |
| List of polls |