The Avalanche made their center move, and it wasn’t for Nazem Kadri. We’ll likely get more information about what went wrong there over the coming days. But according to several NHL Insiders and outlets, it sounds like the Avs and Flames were deep into talks. Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet said the two teams had a deal in place that included retention, but he believes the Flames ownership group did not sign off on it.

Colorado instead acquired Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs. I wrote about Roy last month as an option. He’s a solid pick-up, in the prime of his career, and makes only $3 million against the cap for this year and next.

The question now is, what else does Chris MacFarland have in mind? On the one hand, Colorado now has 15 forwards, including Logan O’Connor. But two of those forwards are rookies Gavin Brindley and Zakhar Bardakov, who haven’t gotten much ice time in recent games. On the other hand, the Avs could very well still look to upgrade their wingers.

When Artturi Lehkonen returns, which isn’t anytime soon, the Avs’ depth chart has Roy centering Victor Olofsson and Ross Colton. Is that the third line they want to enter the postseason with? And on the fourth line, if O’Connor remains out, are they fine with Joel Kiviranta being an everyday player for the postseason?

Here are the remaining names that could make sense for Colorado. Many of them are new additions, given the change in what they might be looking for. Many of these guys will likely get traded on Friday ahead of the 1 p.m. MT deadline. It’s likely just a matter of where.

AJ Greer, LW, Florida Panthers

Age: 29

Contract: $850,000 cap hit, UFA in July

After sitting out the Panthers’ game on Thursday, it’s clear that Florida would like to get something for Greer. The former Avalanche draft pick makes just $850,000 and would be an excellent bottom-six edition. Particularly on the fourth line with Jack Drury and Parker Kelly, if O’Connor is unable to return this year.

Blake Coleman, LW, Calgary Flames

Age: 34

Contract: $4.9 million cap hit, UFA in 2027

Despite being unable to strike a deal for Kadri, the Avs could and should still try to strike a deal for Blake Coleman. I’m not sure if the Flames would be keen on retention here either, which means Colton would probably have to get moved, whether in the same deal or a different one.

Bobby McMann, LW/RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Age: 29

Contract: $1.35 million cap hit, UFA in July

I’m not sure if the Avs and Leafs have another trade in them. But if they do, Bobby McMann would be a nice third-line winger addition as a pure rental. He would also be a strong candidate to play in the top six with Lehkonen still injured.

Evander Kane, LW/RW, Vancouver Canucks

Age: 34

Contract: $5.125 million cap hit, UFA in July

Even without an expensive center, I still don’t think Evander Kane makes much sense. He was excellent for the Oilers in the 2022 postseason but hasn’t been nearly as effective since. Last year wasn’t bad.

Nicolas Deslauriers, LW, Philadelphia Flyers

Age: 35

Contract: $1.75 million cap hit, UFA in July

If the Avs are looking to move on entirely from someone like Bardakov, picking up Nic Deslauriers would be a reasonable replacement. Given Colorado’s last two trades, Deslauriers’ first name alone makes him a great fit (yes, I’m kidding).

Traded Off The List

Artemi Panarin (traded to the Los Angeles Kings)

Kiefer Sherwood (traded to the San Jose Sharks)

Carson Soucy (traded to the New York Islanders)

Brett Kulak (acquired by the Avalanche)

Michael McCarron (traded to the Minnesota Wild)

Tyler Myers (traded to the Dallas Stars)

Nicolas Roy (acquired by the Avalanche)

Warren Foegele (traded to the Ottawa Senators)