Colorado Avalanche Linked to Former MVP to Address Gabriel Landeskog's Absence

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Tom Banks
December 28, 2024 (4:35 PM)

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The Colorado Avalanche remain without their captain Gabriel Landeskog, whose future in the NHL is up in the air, and now they've been linked to a former MVP.

For months now, fans have eagerly anticipated the return of Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, but as of yet, we haven't seen any major signs that his return to the ice could be imminent.

Back in November, he was quietly taking part in some drills, but we haven't heard much since that point, and with the Avalanche finding some great momentum, he'd be a boost to their top-six.

However, nothing can be guaranteed, and now top NHL Insider Chris Johnston has revealed that Taylor Hall could be a potential fit for a role in their top-six if Landeskog's return can't be relied upon.

The Avs are one of the few top teams who could make room for Taylor Hall in their top six, which is likely where a player with his skill set needs to play in order to be most effective. The continued uncertainty around Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has gone more than two and a half years without playing while recovering from a cartilage transplant in his right knee, makes the need for another left winger more pronounced. Hall may not skate at the same level as earlier in his career, but he's still faster than average and could hold his own alongside Nathan MacKinnon in top-line duty if needed. At minimum, he would give the Avalanche more lineup flexibility than they enjoy now. The acquisition cost also shouldn't be too significant for a veteran player unlikely to be part of the long-term solution for the rebuilding Blackhawks. - Chris Johnston

We've already seen Colorado be proactive on the trade market with the acquisition of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks, who has now been locked down for the next five years.

With the Blackhawks not competing for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024/25, it makes sense that they'd like to move on from a veteran like Hall, and given that he's a free agent in the summer, if Colorado can use a mid-round pick to land him, it could be a good move for their Stanley Cup hopes.

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DECEMBRE 28 \| 389 ANSWERS Colorado Avalanche Linked to Former MVP to Address Gabriel Landeskog's Absence Would Taylor Hall be a good pickup for the Colorado Avalanche?
Yes	253	65 %
No	136	35 %
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