The Avs made a small splash before the NHL All-Star break by acquiring Matt Nieto in a four-player deal with San Jose. Here’s 10 thoughts on the trade, what it means for the Avalanche’s trade deadline plans and more:
1. The Matt Nieto trade was a steal. Martin Kaut and Jacob MacDonald have both been on waivers this season. Any team could have snatched either of them for free, and Colorado was fine with that. But they both cleared. Regardless of how Nieto and Ryan Merkley turn out, it’s impressive that Chris MacFarland got a two-player haul out of what could’ve been a punt.