We were promised a strong trade market by NHL insiders this summer. So far, general managers have not disappointed.

In the past 10 days, names like Brady Tkachuk, Bowen Byram, William Eklund, Jordan Kyrou and Simon Nemec have been dealt, with returns including top 10 and even top 5 draft picks. It’s an unheard-of level of trade activity in NHL circles, with it becoming clear that teams, at least at the moment, value younger, proven NHL players over the randomness at the top of the draft.

The thing is, it’s not expected to slow down given how poor this free agent class is. Alex Tuch was the top player set to hit the open market, but he was a part of a sign and trade to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, weakening an already weak free agent crop.

Joe Sakic and the Colorado Avalanche have already been busy, mostly clearing cap space over the past 10 days. There’s one big name on their roster that could still be on the move, but along with that name, here are some players to keep an eye on in the trade and free agent market when it comes to the Avalanche.

Trade board

Winger Valeri Nichushkin (17 goals, 49 points in 72 games)

There’s a strong belief around the league that both parties are open to a change here. Colorado will not just give away the 6-foot-4 winger, who provides a lot of value up front even if his offensive numbers took a dip this past season. With a subpar free agent class and Tuch now off the board, Nichushkin’s $6.125 million cap hit for the next four years looks very reasonable. He has a 12-team no-trade clause so he’ll have some say in where his next destination will be if a deal is agreed upon. The goal of moving him would be to clear up some cap space, but the ultimate hope would be to find some help on the blueline.

Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei (6) during an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Trade targets

Defenseman Mason Lohrei (7 goals, 26 points in 73 games)

At 25 and 6-foot-5, Lohrei possesses a lot of tools that general managers covet, which is why he wouldn’t come cheap. There have been rumblings that the Boston Bruins shopped him at the deadline and are open to moving him if the right deal comes along. Signed for one more year at $3.2 million. Bruins could use some help on the wing.

Defenseman Tyler Kleven (3 goals, 18 points in 70 games)

After Brady Tkachuk forced their hand, the Ottawa Senators did well to turn around and grab talented young forward William Eklund. The belief is they are not done trying to improve their forward group. Nichushkin is someone they like, and if you’re the Avalanche, it’s hard not to covet the 24-year-old Kleven and his 6-foot-5 frame. With Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot in front of him on the depth chart, he’s essentially stuck in a third pair role. Teams don’t exactly give away young, cost-controlled defensemen, but he’d fit the mold of what the Avalanche are looking for.

Defenseman Alexander Nikishin (11 goals, 33 points in 81 games)

Acquisition cost may be too much for the Avalanche, given their lack of tradable assets, but everyone knows Sakic will look everywhere to improve his team. Another giant left-handed defenseman, but unlike the previous two, Nikishin needs a new contract. If a smart organization like the Carolina Hurricanes is debating between paying or taking the player, should that make other organizations question whether trading a large package for Nikishin is the right move?

Defenseman Morgan Rielly (11 goals, 36 points in 78 games)

The veteran defenseman has reportedly given the Leafs four West teams he’d agree to go to in a trade. It’s unknown if the Avalanche are on that list, but it doesn’t sound like the cost would be too prohibitive. His cap hit of $7.5 million for the next four years would make a move like this difficult, but he’d be a more proven option for the blueline.

Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser (6 goals, 17 points in 77 games)

After giving up a lot for Byram and with Alex Vlasic already on the left side, Kaiser gets pushed down the depth chart a bit more. He’s a solid young defenseman at just 23 but the Chicago Blackhawks are looking for someone, anyone, that can play wing on a line with Connor Bedard.

Vegas Golden Knights center Nic Dowd (26) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Kulak (27) collide during the second period in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Free agent class

Defenseman Brett Kulak (1 goal, 12 points in 83 games)

Why go out and look too far when the answer might be right in front of you? Kulak was a nice fit on the Avalanche, so they already know it works. The question really is cost. This could be the last big contract Kulak gets in the NHL and with just under $5 million in cap space at the moment, it’s fair to question if the Avalanche are the team that can give that contract to him.

Defenseman Brent Burns (12 goals, 35 points in 82 games)

If Burns wanted to come back on another low salary, high incentive deal, it wouldn’t be hard for the Avalanche to fit him on the team. It’s unknown whether or not Burns plans on playing another season in the NHL, though.

Defenseman Mario Ferraro (7 goals, 23 points in 82 games)

The Avalanche have long coveted Cale Makar’s former NCAA teammate, but Ferraro’s NHL career has stalled out as he hasn’t shown much puck skill at the NHL level. Doesn’t appear as if he’ll be returning to the San Jose Sharks.

Defenseman Mike Reilly (1 goal, 9 points in 42 games)

The 32-year-old hasn’t been a regular on anyone’s defense in a few years, but has proven to be a valuable depth option for teams. Given Colorado’s current cap situation, could be a decent cheap option for them.

Defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (1 goal, 13 points in 68 games)

Another big, strong defensemen who now has some good playoff experience under his belt. Not someone you want to pay too much money because there’s just not a lot of offense there.

Forward Oliver Bjorkstrand (12 goals, 32 points in 80 games)

What’s this? A forward? The Avalanche have 12 forwards that are waiver eligible at the moment, and with Gavin Brindley and T.J. Hughes in the AHL, they may not need another one, but if Nichushkin is dealt, adding a proven NHL winger wouldn’t be a bad idea. Bjorkstrand has a history with Jared Bednar and could be a candidate for a cheaper, prove-it type of contract after a subpar tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Winger Michael Bunting (14 goals, 33 points in 74 games)

If the acquisition of Zachary L’Heureux is any indication, maybe the Avalanche want to get a little tougher to play against. Bunting is a more proven commodity at the age of 30. Has a history of spending a lot of time in the penalty box, although he was more disciplined this past season.

What I’m hearing

Word was that Jack Drury was asking for around $3.5 million with some term from the Avalanche. That was too much for them to stomach with someone who plays on the fourth line. Chris MacFarland obviously has an idea what it will cost to re-sign him in Nashville, but it would seem to be a better opportunity for Drury, who will play a bit further up the lineup. Bednar trusted Drury a lot and he’ll have to allow the young Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux to develop this upcoming season if the Avalanche have any chance of winning the deal.

Again, they aren’t going to give him away, but it would be a surprise if Nichushkin is on the Avalanche next season.

What I’m seeing

The Bowen Byram/Casey Mittelstadt swap looked even worse given what the Buffalo Sabres picked up for Byram this week. It’s also fair to say that the Blackhawks very much overpaid to get the 25-year-old defensemen, who is asking for a lot of money on an extension. Byram has long believed he’s a number one defensemen but his play on the ice has said otherwise. He’ll certainly get the opportunity to prove to everyone he is that guy in Chicago.

Buffalo didn’t re-sign Tuch and dealt away Byram. They’ve now got assets to play with, and it makes you wonder what else they’ve got up their sleeve after making the playoffs for the first time in well over a decade. Do they take a swing to try and get Connor Hellebuyck out of Winnipeg?

What I’m thinking

The Denver Pioneers had a great summer in terms of recruiting and it would be a major surprise if defensemen Ryan Lin and Daxon Rudolph aren’t selected in the first round this weekend at the NHL draft.

Loved Ottawa going out and getting Eklund as a cheaper, younger replacement for Tkachuk. They aren’t the same type of player but they could easily be a playoff team again next season if they can use the assets from the Tkachuk trade to add more NHL players.