Trade
Avalanche receives: Forward Arturi Lehkonen.
Canadiens receive: defenseman Justin Barron and a second-round pick in 2024.
Ratings
Corey Pronman: Arturi Lehkonen is a versatile striker despite not being the most physically impressive. He is a good skater, he competes hard, and he has offenses. The offensive part of his game is secondary in a good team, he won’t lead the line, but he has some skill, hockey flair and the ability to finish. He adds versatility to the squad given the fact he has one more year under control as an expected RFA with six years in the league. In a team filled with skills, he will fit perfectly into the bottom six players.
Justin Barron is a very promising player. He is a tall right-handed shooter and an excellent skater. He’s not a puck dynamo and doesn’t play powerplay in the NHL on a good team, but he can make a solid first pass and handle the puck well in the NHL. With his skating, he can play against good players and be an important factor in the transition. He has every chance to become one of the four best defenders in the NHL.
I was expecting Colorado to move Drew Helleson, which they did in the Josh Manson deal, but whether they were ready to move Barron was a matter approaching the deadline. I’m fine with that because Flags Fly Forever and they are currently the favorites for the Stanley Cup.