Avalanche Make Waves with Trades Ahead of New Season

The Colorado Avalanche have been busy this week, making significant moves ahead of the upcoming season. In a series of trades, the Avalanche selected nine players in the 2026 NHL Draft, showcasing their commitment to strengthening the roster.

Joe Sakic, Avalanche’s General Manager, has been vocal about the team’s direction. He praised Valeri Nichushkin, stating that the Avalanche ‘don’t win the Cup’ without him, highlighting the forward’s crucial role in their success. This sentiment underscores the importance of retaining key players even as the team makes adjustments.

In a notable transaction, the Nashville Predators acquired forward Ross Colton from the Avalanche, further reshaping both teams’ offensive lines. Additionally, the Bruins have made a move by bringing in Ivan Ivan from Colorado in exchange for Fabian Lysell, marking a strategic shift for both franchises.

The trades didn’t stop there; the Avalanche also sent Jack Drury to the Predators, receiving forwards Dmitri Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux in return, along with a third-round pick. Nashville has since signed Drury to a five-year contract with a $4.5 million annual average value, indicating their confidence in his abilities.

Amid these transactions, veteran defenseman Brent Burns has signed on for another season with the Avalanche, providing stability and experience to the blue line. Sakic’s aggressive approach in the trade market reflects his intention to build a competitive team for the coming season.

Across the league, the Toronto Maple Leafs made headlines by selecting forward Gavin McKenna as their first pick in the NHL draft, while Joe Iginla seeks to silence critics after the Calgary Flames drafted his son, a nod to the legacy of franchise legend Jarome Iginla. Meanwhile, reports of a rift in the Senators’ locker room involving Brady Tkachuk continue to circulate, adding drama to the NHL landscape.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.