Fortified Avalanche to debut new players vs. Maple Leafs

The Colorado Avalanche were one of the busiest teams in the final week before Friday's trade deadline, and they will unveil a much different lineup when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

Colorado made two big trades in the final 16 hours, getting centers Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders and Charlie Coyle from the Boston Bruins. Nelson, the most coveted veteran on the market, will center the second line, while Coyle will likely be on the third line.

The Avalanche added defenseman Ryan Lindgren last week, six weeks after trading Mikko Rantanen for Martin Necas and Jack Drury.

They ended the flurry of deals by trading for defenseman Erik Johnson, who spent 12-plus seasons with Colorado and helped win the 2022 Stanley Cup before leaving after the 2022-23 season. The Avalanche sent Givani Smith to Philadelphia as part of the trade.

Overall, Colorado's six significant deals since late November revamped their goaltending as well as add to their defensive and forward depth.

Colorado gave up draft capital, Casey Mittelstadt (to Boston) and its top prospect, Calum Ritchie (to the Islanders), to load up for a postseason run.

"It's awesome to see, from our perspective, how much faith in us management has and how much they want to win right now," defenseman Cale Makar said. "They're trying to give us the best opportunity to do that."

Makar, who is coming off a six-point game in a win over San Jose on Thursday night, set the franchise record for points by a defenseman in a single game. He leads all defensemen in scoring with 74 points (24 goals, 50 assists).

Nathan MacKinnon is atop the league with 98 points (25 goals, 73 assists). Nelson's 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) put him third on the team in scoring, and Artturi Lehkonen leads the team in goals with 26.

The Avalanche sit fourth in the Central Division but lead the Western Conference wild-card chase.

The Maple Leafs were also active at the deadline, acquiring forward Scott Laughton from Philadelphia and defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Bruins. Laughton is projected to center the third line.

"I'm letting it all sink in and kind of figuring out my way here, but I'm excited for a chance at the playoffs," Laughton told TSN. "I'm very grateful for my time in Philly, to spend that much time in one organization. I'm excited for the opportunity and ready to go."

Toronto is two points behind first-place Florida in the Atlantic Division and a point ahead of surging Tampa Bay. The Maple Leafs lost their second game in a row, 5-2 at Vegas on Wednesday night, to start a three-game road trip.

They are nearing the end of a stretch of 11 of 13 games on the road, which began Feb. 1.

Winger Mitch Marner leads Toronto with 77 points (19 goals, 58 assists), William Nylander has a team-best 35 goals and 63 points, and John Tavares is third in scoring with 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists).

Auston Matthews also has 53 points (23 goals, 30 assists) despite missing 15 games this season.

--Field Level Media