The Colorado Avalanche made a trade today, the NHL’s annual trade deadline. That part isn’t surprising. The deal itself was a bit of a shocker. Going to Arizona is Avalanche favorite Alex Tanguay, best known for his two clutch goals in Game 7 of the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals, 2014 first round pick Conner Bleackley, and 2014 third round pick Kyle Wood. Coming back to Denver is Mikkel Boedker, the 8th overalll pick in 2008, a speedy forward with offensive talent.
At first glance, this trade is a short-term win for the Avalanche. Boedker is an upgrade over Tanguay at the left wing position and should fill his spot on the second line with Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog.