Avalanche's Offseason Plans May Open Surprise Trade Window for Maple Leafs

The theme this season in free agency seems to be that of re-signings and identity changes. We saw Florida re-stock on their stars in order to keep a dynasty afloat, and we saw the Maple Leafs part ways with long-time star forward Mitch Marner.

One team that has undergone their own changes are the Colorado Avalanche. They've traded Charlie Coyle, Miles Wood, re-signed Brock Nelson, and brought in Brent Burns on a one-year deal. With Gabriel Landeskog back in the fray, things are looking good out in Denver.

However, they are still looking to make an upgrade according to NHL Insider Chris Johnston:

It begs the question though, if the Maple Leafs wanted to get in on this, who could they send as an upgrade?

Well, Toronto could send them David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, Max Domi, Bobby McMann, Simon Benoit or Oliver Ekman-Larsson depending on who the Avalanche sees fit to help.

They need a lot more physicality in their lineup, so adding someone like Benoit or McMann might do them well, and in the case of McMann will be able to add an offensive punch to the bottom six; he had 20 goals, 136 hits and a plus-12 rating last season.

So if Toronto has pieces Colorado could use for an upgrade (it was never mentioned what type of upgrade, mind you), then who can they bring back?

There's really only one player who Toronto needs to go after and that's Colton. He's 28, a two-way menace, loves to hit and will consistently give you 15+ goals a season.

He's the perfect Craig Berube type player, and with the Avs needing to figure out some other contracts, Colton and his $4-million salary is definitely expendable; they need money for Cale Makar after all.

Plus, Colton would be able to give Toronto a lot of flexibility down the middle with Nicolas Roy, Scott Laughton, and Colton all being able to play both center or wing on the bottom-six.

Elite defensively, Colton was integral to helping the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2021.

In 61 games this season, he had 29 points (16 goals, 13 assists), 42 blocks, 145 hits, and only 18 PIM. If there was ever a player who Craig Berube should want, it's him.

Colorado may not be too keen on trading Colton given his skillset, but with a lot more pressing matters on the horizon, he may be a casualty.

A casualty that Toronto should come in and save.