Carl Soderberg heads to Arizona for defenseman Kevin Connauton and a 3rd rounder.
https://www.tsn.ca/colorado-avalanche-t ... -1.1328302Avs clear up cap space by trading away their 2nd-best center, and get some more defensive depth in return.
What's that you say? The Avs have tons of defensive depth? Not so fast...both Erik Johnson and Ian Cole will not be ready to start the season. EJ had shoulder surgery and Cole had double hip surgery. So even though the Avs have Mark Alt, Mark Barberio, and Ryan Graves filling out 6/7/8 spots, it appears the Avs just wanted a little more insurance there. Which is fine.
BUT...I'm guessing the Avs are clearing cap room because they intend to either swing a trade to address their severe lack of forward scoring depth, or they're going big in free agency. Either way, Soda was an interim measure who did better last season than the team had any right to hope for, putting up career numbers. Unfortunately a cheap shot from Jack Eichel late in the season kinda derailed his run, and he never quite got back on track. He's a good 3rd/4th line pivot who has a nice shot, plays a tough game, and is adequate defensively. Not nearly as good at faceoffs as you'd think a big, burly, two-way center like that would be and his skating leaves a bit to be desired. Seeing him moved on before his current deal expired is something pretty much all Avs fans saw coming. The Avs used him precisely the way you should use him--as a quasi-2nd line center with some speedy guys who can get him the puck, which allows him the chance to put up points while not giving him too much of a defensive burden. He's not quite good enough to be a scoring line center, but not quite two-way enough to be a checking line guy.
Gotta be honest...I'm not sure why Arizona made this move. They took on a bigger salary and also gave up more assets in this deal and I don't quite see how Soda fits with them. But then again, this is more credence to the notion that Ian put out there years ago that eventually, every single player in the NHL ends up in Arizona at some point in their careers. And I've long since given up trying to figure out what John Chayka's vision is.