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 David Jones and Shane O'Brien to the Calgary Flames for Alex Tanguay and Cory Sarich.
We have done this before, and the previous #5 trade was the Galiardi, Winnik, 7th rd pick for Connolly, Sgarbossa, and McGinn. Since the last similar article 2 years ago. Galiardi has gone on to become an effectiv 4th liner, and Winnik has still managed to play a very good two way game. Connolly had his cup of tea for the Avs and Sgarbossa never did much for the team. McGinn was unfortunately the throw in the O'Reilly trade, so the deal hasn't really worked out for the Avs. Enter this trade. The Avs got Tanguay back who has been one of our best players since the trade, and we managed to get a decent year out of Sarich. The best part though? Unloading David Jones and the useless Shane O'Brien. Jones has done okay in Calgary since the trade and O'Brien has bounced around the NHL and Minors since. And we got the hero of game 7 (2001) back. Good stuff.
We have done this before, and the previous #5 trade was the Galiardi, Winnik, 7th rd pick for Connolly, Sgarbossa, and McGinn. Since the last similar article 2 years ago. Galiardi has gone on to become an effectiv 4th liner, and Winnik has still managed to play a very good two way game. Connolly had his cup of tea for the Avs and Sgarbossa never did much for the team. McGinn was unfortunately the throw in the O'Reilly trade, so the deal hasn't really worked out for the Avs. Enter this trade. The Avs got Tanguay back who has been one of our best players since the trade, and we managed to get a decent year out of Sarich. The best part though? Unloading David Jones and the useless Shane O'Brien. Jones has done okay in Calgary since the trade and O'Brien has bounced around the NHL and Minors since. And we got the hero of game 7 (2001) back. Good stuff.
#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 could'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 Ryan O'Reilly and Jamie McGinn to the Buffalo Sabres for Nikita Zadorov, Mikhail Grigorenko, J.T. Compher, and the 31st overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
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.
*Note: This does not include the Nordiques, or the Lindros trade would be on here. Where would you rank the Lindros trade on this list?
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