5 Players Colorado Avalanche Should Target Before 2015 NHL Trade Deadline

By PowerPlayCJ

5 Players the Colorado Avalanche Should Target Before the 2015 NHL Trade Deadline

Columbus Blue Jackets v Colorado Avalanche — The Colorado Avalanche were one of the best stories of the 2013-14 season as they surprised seemingly everyone to be one of the best teams in the league. This year has been a different story, as offseason departures and an ineffective defense have the Avs struggling to stay in the playoff picture. Erik Johnson's injury means the team must address the blue line if they wish to contend for a Western Conference playoff spot.

5. Jake Gardiner

Phoenix Coyotes v Toronto Maple Leafs

5. Jake Gardiner

Phoenix Coyotes v Toronto Maple Leafs — The former Wisconsin Badger has been stuck in a bad situation in Toronto and needs a change of scenery. Gardnier’s smooth skating and adept puck moving abilities would help Colorado’s forwards and give them a new look on defense. When Erik Johnson gets healthy I’d love to see how the two Minnesota natives would play together.

4. Erik Gudbranson

erik gudbranson

4. Erik Gudbranson

erik gudbranson — The Panthers love Gudbranson’s tenacity, but I think he could use a change of scenery. Having a bruising blue liner like Gudbranson would make life easier for the team’s crafty forwards as his physicality would be a great complement.

3. Cody Franson

Franson

3. Cody Franson

Franson — Another Leafs blue liner likely to get moved, Franson will be a free agent at the end of the year and could help the Avs on defense. The righty-shooting Franson can play in all situations and would fill the team's void on defense.

2. Mike Green

Mike Green

2. Mike Green

Mike Green — It would be tough to see the Caps move the pending free agent, but he would be a great addition as his run-and-gun style would fit perfectly with the Avs' quick-paced attack. I also think Green would be interested in sticking around Denver and could sign an extension if the team lands him.

1. Keith Yandle

Keith Yandle-Mark J. Rebilas USAT

1. Keith Yandle

Keith Yandle-Mark J. Rebilas USAT — The Coyotes are willing to move the high-scoring defenseman, and much like Green, his offense would be a welcomed addition. I’d love to see how Patrick Roy would utilize the Massachusetts native, as the two have been familiar with each other since Roy coached against Yandle in the Quebec Major Junior League.

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Colorado Avalanche

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