Avalanche Bolster Roster Ahead of Trade Deadline

Colorado makes key moves to address needs, but more could be on the way

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Colorado Avalanche have already made three key trades ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring defenseman Brett Kulak, defenseman Nick Blankenburg, and center Nicolas Roy. These moves have addressed clear needs for the team, including improving the third defensive pairing, adding depth on the blue line, and finding a third-line center. With nearly $7 million in available cap space, the Avalanche now have an opportunity to further bolster their roster and maximize their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.

Why it matters

The Avalanche are one of the top contenders in the NHL and are looking to make a deep playoff run. These trades demonstrate the team's commitment to improving the roster and addressing key areas of need. With the trade deadline looming, the Avalanche have positioned themselves well to potentially make additional moves to strengthen the team even further.

The details

The Avalanche first addressed their third defensive pairing by trading Samuel Girard for Brett Kulak. They then acquired Nick Blankenburg from the Nashville Predators to provide more depth on the blue line. Most significantly, Colorado traded for center Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs, filling a crucial need at third-line center. With these moves, the Avalanche have set themselves up well heading into the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs.

  • The Avalanche made the three trades in the days leading up to the NHL trade deadline, which is less than 24 hours away.
  • The team acquired Brett Kulak on Wednesday, Nick Blankenburg on Thursday, and Nicolas Roy also on Thursday.

The players

Brett Kulak

A defenseman acquired by the Avalanche to improve their third defensive pairing.

Nick Blankenburg

A defenseman acquired by the Avalanche to provide more depth on the blue line.

Nicolas Roy

A center acquired by the Avalanche to fill a crucial need at third-line center.

Chris MacFarland

The general manager of the Colorado Avalanche who has been active in making trades to improve the team's roster.

Logan O'Connor

A forward for the Avalanche who is currently on long-term injured reserve.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These are all things that had to be done. Now? They have nearly $7 million in available cap space (with Logan O'Connor on LTIR), with an opportunity to improve on the roster they have. This is the part of the trade deadline where general manager Chris MacFarland can bolster the team, find those luxury additions, and maximize his team's chances and winning a Stanley Cup.”

— Aarif Deen, Author (coloradohockeynow.com)

What’s next

With the roster needs addressed, the Avalanche now have the flexibility to potentially make additional moves to further strengthen the team ahead of the playoffs. This could include acquiring a middle-six winger or another depth defenseman to provide insurance in case of injuries.

The takeaway

The Avalanche have been proactive in addressing key roster needs ahead of the trade deadline, setting themselves up well to make a deep playoff run. The team's willingness to make bold moves demonstrates their commitment to winning the Stanley Cup, and they now have the opportunity to potentially make even more impactful additions to the roster.