Colorado Avalanche Look to Add Center Depth: 3 Names Targeted

The Colorado Avalanche, trading goaltender Justus Annunen for veteran backup Scott Wedgewood of the Nashville Predators on Saturday, firmed up their goaltending depth.

That would suggest the Avalanche are in win-now mode in their push for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Many analysts believe the Avalanche aren't finished making moves this season. The Hockey News' Adam Proteau included Colorado, along with the Predators and Minnesota Wild, as likely to make more moves by trade in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Meanwhile, Daily Faceoff's Tyler Yaremchuk and Colby Cohen also generally believe that, with the build of the Avalanche, there could be more moves prior to the March 7 deadline.

Center depth is a big need for Colorado and they most likely aren't going to be satisfied with Ivan Ivan and Parker Kelly centering their bottom two lines.

For the Avalanche, here are three potential middlemen trade targets: Nazem Kadri, Christian Dvorak, and Yanni Gourde. Kadri has been the face Colorado fans have grown accustomed to.

He played a great part in their 2022 Stanley Cup win, and his leadership, with his scoring touch and physical style, would energize the middle-six en route to cementing playoff aspirations.

Christian Dvorak offers a sound two-way game with some faceoff experience. He will stabilize the Avalanche's third line while adding some offense. He is an excellent addition to this depth.

Yanni Gourde is a two-time Stanley Cup winner with Tampa Bay. Gourde brings a fast, physical game that does not shy away from confrontation.

He is very much team-first. He will likely bring a playoffs-tested grit and some good depth-level scoring to the Avalanche.

With the goaltending now squared away, Colorado's added emphasis on a reliable centerpiece might be the final link in rounding out their lineup for a deep playoff run.