The NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching and we have our first trade. The Colorado Avalanche have acquired defenceman Josh Manson. In return, the Anaheim Ducks get prospect Drew Helleson and a 2023 2nd round pick.
**Josh Manson** of @AnaheimDucks to @Avalanche for Defenseman prospect Drew Helleson and a 2023 Draft Choice. @espn @NHLNetwork #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/yUCh5FPMNo
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) March 14, 2022
Defenceman Josh Manson Heading to Colorado
A very exciting way to kickoff what could be a busy week in the NHL, defenceman Josh Manson is on the move. Manson is a solid player who maybe didn’t quite live up to his full potential. However, he is still a very effective defenceman, especially when he is not asked to play as high in the lineup. Colorado already has a stacked blueline with Devon Toews, Cale Makar, and Samuel Girard. So Manson will be at best the fourth, maybe even the fifth guy in Colorado.
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This should play to his strengths very well. Not having to play against the toughest of matchups every night should let his abilities shine and show a great player. If absolutely needed, Manson has plenty of top pair experience and can play there in a pinch. Overall, this really shores up the Avs defence. Additionally, the Anaheim Ducks will be retaining 50% on Manson. That could be crucial for Colorado as they may still be able to add another small piece at forward. According to CapFriendly they currently have $1.48 million of deadline cap room.
Anaheim’s Future
There was a lot of debate about what the Ducks might do at this deadline. If this is any indication, they won’t be staying put. The Ducks had a surprising start to the year thanks to the likes of Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. However, it looks like they have decided to sell some UFA pieces they can’t re-sign. Could Rickard Rakell be next?
In Helleson, the Ducks get a solid defensive prospect who has looked great at Boston College. In his third season there, he has 25 points in 32 games. Pretty good for a defenceman. They also get a pick in the 2023 draft which is supposed to be one of the stronger drafts in years.
Overall, this seems like a solid move for both sides. Anaheim gets some assets to align more with their window and Colorado continues to go all-in on their competing window.
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