The Colorado Avalanche are set to make the acquisition for winger Artturi Lehkonen from the Montréal Canadiens, the biggest name on the board ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, and have boosted their position as a top contender for the Stanley Cup in 2022.
In a hefty package for the Finnish skater, the Colorado Avalanche are sending defensive prospect Justin Barron (20 years old) and a 2nd-Round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft per Pierre LeBrun.
Barron was taken 25th overall in the 2020 Draft and has spent the last few seasons playing for the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL. General manager Joe Sakic also receives Lehkonen with a 50% retention on his $2.3 million salary-cap hit.
This is a significant trade as Artturi Lehkonen was touted as the best available player on the trade block over Anaheim Ducks forward Rickard Rakell and will be an immediate impact player for the Avalanche, fitting in the top-six, middle-six rotation on offense. Colorado now has one of the most dominant offensive units in the NHL.
The Colorado Avalanche are going all-in for the Stanley Cup by making a massive transaction to acquire two valuable wingers to bolster their offense.
Through the 2021-22 NHL season, Lehkonen has put together 13 goals and 19 assists in 58 games played for a Canadiens team that holds a record of 17-36-9, effectively placing them last in the league standings.
For a team that has a goal differential of -77, Artturi Lehkonen has an even +/- which is a testament to his contribution on the ice.
In addition to this trade, the Colorado Avalanche are also acquiring veteran winger Andrew Cogliano from the San Jose Sharks. While he’s not necessarily a household name these days, his value is still high for this team as he brings a leadership presence, playoff experience, and reliability in a depth role on offense.
In exchange for the speedy left-winger, the Avs are forfeiting a 2024 5th-Round pick. Cogliano’s contract is also 50% retained. Essentially, the veteran is being dealt for a bag of chips.
Obviously, after these transactions, the Avalanche are out of the race for Winnipeg Jets forward Andrew Copp, leaving just the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers as his suitors. With these two moves, however, Colorado now has their group and they’re ready to make a significant push for the 2022 Stanley Cup as they have the firepower to route the Western Conference.