Senаtorѕ, Devіlѕ And Mаple Leаfѕ Sаіd To Be Intereѕted In Young Avаlаncһe Forwаrd

Sportsnet is reporting that an Avalanche forward had the interest of the Maple Leafs, Senators and Devils -- but will Colorado want to keep this young player for the long term?

A new Sportsnet report noted that Colorado Avalanche center Casey Mittelstadt has drawn interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils And Ottawa Senators. The 26-year-old Mittelstadt has another two seasons left on his contract, at an average annual salary of $5.75-million. And while Mittelstadt hasn't exactly produced well this season -- he's posted nine goals and 32 points in 55 games this year -- Mittelstadt isn't all that far removed from his 15-goal,, 59-point season with Buffalo in 2022-23. 

That said, it's definitely possible teams like the Leafs and Sens see him as an attractive asset. His contract could prove to be an isssue if the Avalanche choose to hold onto him and he fades as a point-producer, but with a change of organizations, Mittelstadt might have a rebound rest-of-the-season as a member of the Avs -- or, with another team. 

Colorado has already made radical changes to its roster this season, most notably completely changing over their two goaltenders at the NHL level -- and that gamble on new goalies has been paying on quite nicely. But a Mittelstadt trade could make sense if Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland wants to get out from under Mittelstadt's remaining years on his contract. Or a trade makes sense because the Sens, Devils and/or Leafs have an excceedingly-high valuation of Mittelstadt's skill set.

Meanwhille, the Avalanche also could choose to hang onto Mittelstadt, who could raise his game back to the form he showed with the Sabres. Mittelstadt still has time to revert to peak form. But make no mistake -- if Mittelstadt's offensive numbers don't improve, there will be fewer teams that come calling for his services. 

Mittelstadt can still bring some value in a trade, but the real issue here would be the assets the Avalanche receive in exchange for Mittelstadt. Is taking Mittelstadt's sizeable salary off of Colorado's payroll worth assets for Colorado all by themselves? How much more can Colorado ask for in return for a player in Mittelstadt who is paid as a top-nine forward, yet who is delivering like a bottom-six forward? The answer might not please Avs fans.

Mittelstadt's usage has also dwindled in recent years, to 15:52 last season, and he's averaging 17:25 of ice time this season. That will probably hurt what the Avalanche can ask in return for Mittelstadt in any trade. But the stakes for the Avs are considerable this season, and if Colorado can bring in more accomplished forwards, Mittelstadt's time as an Avalanche could come to an end.