If Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland opts to supplement his goaltending, there are three levels of aggression he has to choose from when it comes to this goalie trade market.
The first level is the least aggressive approach, simply attempting to upgrade the backup position with a proven veteran. With Pavel Francouz out for the year, Colorado has leaned on 24-year-old Ivan Prosvetov. He’s an athletic young goalie, but has struggled recently and has no postseason experience. The Avalanche could add some insurance by trading for Petr Mrázek (for the reasons stated above), Allen or Detroit’s James Reimer.
The second level would be a slightly bigger move to improve the backup spot, while adding a bit of competition for Alexandar Georgiev as the starter. Think Marc-Andre Fleury, who hasn’t been great this year but who has the playoff pedigree to inspire confidence regardless. He’s no stranger to splitting the net in the postseason. He’s done it with Matt Murray in Pittsburgh, Robin Lehner in Vegas, and both Talbot and Filip Gustavsson in Minnesota.
Georgiev has proven to be a solid starter for stretches in his time in Colorado. Fleury would be a low-risk, potentially high-reward acquisition, considering his expiring contract and playoff experience.
The final, and most aggressive, option would be for Colorado to replace Georgiev as the starter. This doesn’t seem likely, but isn’t out of the question if Georgiev continues to struggle. The Avalanche are tight against the cap, but have only Georgiev’s $3.4 million cap hit committed to next season, so there’s plenty of flexibility at that position. Adding John Gibson, and his $6.4 million cap hit, would be tough but not impossible.
Gibson is one of the most talented goalies in the league, and while his numbers have dipped over the last few seasons behind a struggling team, he’s shown plenty this season to prove he still has it. Trading for Gibson would cement Colorado as the team to beat in the West, and once we’re reminded what a motivated Gibson looks like playing behind a strong team, the last three years of his deal may seem like a steal at that price.
