The Colorado Avalanche are reportedly considering a trade for St. Louis Blues’ forward Brayden Schenn ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. While it may seem unlikely for a team to send a top-six center to a division rival, Schenn could be just what Colorado needs to strengthen their lineup.
Despite trading Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in late January, the Avalanche still boast high-end talent with MVP candidate Nathan MacKinnon and Norris Trophy contender Cale Makar leading the charge. However, the team is still looking to improve in key areas, and Schenn could provide an immediate impact.
Evan Rawal of The Denver Gazette, in his recent mailbag, explored Schenn’s potential fit with Colorado. Schenn’s points-per-60 stats are similar to that of Casey Mittelstadt, with 1.55 and 1.52 respectively, which highlights his offensive capabilities. Yet, it’s not just his scoring that makes Schenn an attractive option for the Avalanche. Schenn is known for his physical style of play and his willingness to sacrifice his body on both ends of the ice. His presence would give Colorado a much-needed boost in the physicality department, especially in the postseason, where toughness is crucial.
One of Schenn’s notable strengths is his faceoff success, where he boasts a 50.1% win rate. This would help address Colorado’s struggles in the faceoff circle, where they currently sit in 30th place in the league. Schenn’s ability to win important draws, especially in key moments, could make a significant difference in the team’s overall performance.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Schenn’s familiarity with Nathan MacKinnon could ease his transition into the Avalanche’s locker room. The two have become close friends over the years, which would likely help Schenn adjust to his new team and contribute right away. MacKinnon’s leadership and experience could provide Schenn with the support needed to seamlessly integrate into the squad.
In summary, while it may be challenging for the Blues to trade a key player like Schenn to a division rival, the Avalanche would greatly benefit from his physicality, faceoff ability, and chemistry with MacKinnon. If the trade comes to fruition, Schenn could fill a crucial gap for Colorado, giving them a more complete and well-rounded roster as they push for playoff success.
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