New York Islanders Trade Targets for Every NHL Team

Colorado Avalanche

Was there any doubt that Matt Duchene would end up on this list? The rumor mill has been going crazy for months on a potential deal between the Avalanche and the New York Islanders.

We already know what the Avalanche want. A lot. Almost too much for a player that had his worst statistical season since he joined the league in 2009 with 41 points in 77 games.

That includes the lock-out shortened season where he scored 43 points in 47 games. Sure he plays for Colorado, but he still put up 59 points just last season.

This isn’t the laundry list of players that Colorado was asking for, like a top pair defenseman, a goaltender, and a first round pick. But its exactly what the Avalanche need.

A young and promising defenseman that can score, has a cannon of a shot from the point and can quarterback a power play. Remember that Colorado ranked dead last on the power play with a 12.6% efficiency. Scoring 30 power play goals on 239 attempts.

Colorado gets a second first round pick in the top half of the table, and they get a guaranteed 40 point player on a good – although expiring – contract to try and fill the immediate offensive void left by Duchene. It’s a fair deal.