Earlier on, we listed the 5 worst trades in Avalanche history. They stunk, fans hated them, and it always came back to bite the management in the rear end. We felt bad for putting you through the agony of reliving those dark moment in Avs history, so we figured we'd cheer you up with this: The 5 BEST trades in Avalanche history!
#5. The Colorado Avalanche traded TJ Galiardi, Daniel
Winnik and a 7th round pick in 2013 to the San Jose Sharks for Jamie McGinn,
Mike Connolly and Michael Sgarbossa.
The 5th best trade in
Avs history is a recent one. It is the best trade Greg Sherman made and pretty
much the only trade of his that is above alright. In this trade the Avs got rid
of struggling Galiardi and “dime a dozen on this team” Winnik. And in return
they got Jamie McGinn, who will provide a great scoring touch on the 2nd
and 3rd lines, and future 20 goal scorer Sgarbossa. Mike Connolly
was just a toss in. Good trade, and it’s going to benifiet the team for years
to come.
#4. The Colorado Avalanche traded Wendel Clark to the
New York Islanders for Claude Lemieux.
This trade is perhaps
the least talked about trade that had the most influence. The Avs got rid of a
guy who wanted nothing to do with the franchise and in return they got a clutch
playoff performer, future Avalanche legend, and a big piece to puzzle of the
championship team of 1996, and the Avs domination in the late 90’s.
#3. The Colorado Avalanche traded Adam Deadmarsh, Aaron
Miller, a 1st round pick in 2001 (Dave Steckel), a 1st round pick in 2003
(Brian Boyle) and a player to be named later (Jared Aulin) to the Los Angeles
Kings for Rob Blake and Steven Reinprecht.
This trade is a catch 22. On one
end, they Avs lose a heart and soul, skilled, tough player in Deadmarsh as well
as a solid defenseman in Miller. They also lost a few 1st round
picks that they probably could’ve used. But in return they got what many call “the
final piece to the puzzle” in Steven Reinprecht. Just kidding, but Rob Blake is
what pushed the Avs across the line from potential NHL Champions to legitimate
contenders. It was a steep price, but well worth it in the end. Reinprecht
would provide some solid 3rd line play until phasing out and being
traded, and Blake would provide leadership and act as a role model to young Avs
players for years to come. Great trade.
#2. The Colorado Avalanche traded Brian Rolston, Martin
Grenier, Samuel Pahlsson and a 1st round pick in 2000 (Martin Samuelsson) to
the Boston Bruins for Ray Bourque and Dave Andreychuk
Ahh Ray Bourque. Mission 16W, Sakic
handing the Cup over, his kids crying as he hoisted it. What a story and what a
memory for Avs fans everywhere, forever. We all know the story so we won’t
bother explaining. But what is the best part of this trade? All we gave up was
Rolston, who was useless to the team at that time, Grenier who amounted to
nothing special, and Pahlsson. These three players, plus a 1st
rounder, for RAY BOURQUE? Ray Shero must have been watching Pierre Lacroix closely
as a young adult. Oh right, Dave Andreychuk. Neat.
#1. The Colorado Avalanche traded Andrei Kovalenko,
Martin Rucinsky and Jocelyn Thibault to the Montreal Canadiens for Patrick Roy
and Mike Keane.
If you started reading this article
unsure what would be the number one trade in Avs history, then we don’t blame
you. The Blake trade, Bourque, and Roy all have significant meaning to the
success of this franchise. But it was our call and we had to choose this one.
The Avs got one of the best goalies in the league at the time, and a skilled
checking forward in Mike Keane, for pennies! I know the Habs just wanted to get
something for one of the best goalies in the NHL, but come on. They coud’ve
done better than that! Not that we’re complaining. This trade set the stage for
the franchise and set it up as an absolute powerhouse. If the Avs didn’t get
Patrick Roy, think of how differently things could be right now. It’s scary.
Sacco might still be our coach for pete’s sake! This isn’t only the greatest
trade in Avs history, it is one of the best trades in the history of the NHL.
Honourable Mentions:
The Colorado Avalanche traded David Jones and Shane
O'Brien to the Calgary Flames for Alex Tanguay and Cory Sarich.
The Colorado Avalanche traded Bates Battaglia and
Jonas Johansson to the Washington Capitals for Steve Konowalchuk and a 3rd
round pick in 2004 (Casey Borer).
The Colorado Avalanche traded Frederic Cassivi to
the Atlanta Thrashers for Brett Clark.
The Colorado Avalanche traded a 3rd round pick in
2004 (Peter Regin) to the Nashville Predators for Karlis Skrastins.
The Colorado Avalanche traded Scott Hannan to the
Washington Capitals for Tomas Fleischmann.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Now that you are part of the fast growing Avaholics Unanimous Family, we would love to hear from our readers. We will do our best to answer back. Thanks for reading! For blog updates, follow us on twitter at @Avaholics_U.