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NHL analyst confirms Avalanche trade coming to strengthen key area

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Theodore Mosby
December 23, 2025 (10:37)

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Avalanche fans are buzzing about another potential defenseman addition before the 2026 NHL trade deadline, with Colorado's blue-line depth and third pairing likely in focus as the season races on. The Avs have a strong top end, but depth behind Cale Makar and Devon Toews still figures into how this team is built for the long haul.

Colorado's defense looks good on paper, but the margins in the West are razor thin and the postseason punishes thin groups fast. That's why there's credible chatter about the Avalanche front office exploring options, even if no specific name has been publicly linked yet.

Defense still a top priority for Avalanche as trade deadline looms.

James Wilson from NHL Trade Rumors writes that right now, Colorado's depth D corps includes the likes of Sam Girard, a puck mover who has a manageable cap hit and can log minutes in most matchups, but there's a sense that the Avs might want a different profile on the third pairing.

Girard's reliability in both zones is real, but his frame and style aren't everyone's idea of a shutdown presence. That's where trade deadline planning gets interesting, and why rumors persist that the Avs could be in the market for someone who brings a heavier stick and more physicality to round out the six-man group.

There's no guarantee any move happens, but it's clear general manager Chris MacFarland and his staff have one eye on March and the kind of opponent matchups that decide playoff series. Depth defensemen who can chip in on penalty kill minutes and survive against top lines become invaluable late in games.

And the word from around the league is that, barring a collapse or injury surge, Colorado will be active with that kind of upgrade in mind. Fans have mixed feelings, some hoping for a big name in a splash trade, others wanting a solid, no-nonsense depth defender who won't break the bank. It's a faithful debate that adds to the season's intrigue.

The Avalanche don't have a glaring roster hole, but playoff hockey is about matchups and not all 60 minutes are created equal. Adding a veteran depth defenseman could be the edge Colorado needs when the games matter most.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

New report raises eyebrows around Avalanche star forward Valeri Nichushkin

Avalanche insider issues bold statement on the NHL's Central Division

Minnesota Wild head coach sounds off after embarrassing loss to Avalanche on Sunday

POLL
DECEMBRE 23 \| 81 ANSWERS NHL analyst confirms Avalanche trade coming to strengthen key area Do you think the Avalanche should trade for a veteran defenseman before the 2026 deadline?
Yes	50	61.7 %
No	31	38.3 %
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NHL analyst confirms Avalanche trade coming to strengthen key area

Defense still a top priority for Avalanche as trade deadline looms.

Do you think the Avalanche should trade for a veteran defenseman before the 2026 deadline?