Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said he didn't "have any concerns with" Valeri Nichushkin this season following an incident in Seattle during the playoffs last season. If the Colorado Avalanche have it their way, they will acquire a top-six center before the trade deadline passes. It is understandable, as they need an answer for the 2C role. Although adding another notable center to their roster sounds easy in theory, it is not guaranteed. Several other playoff teams will be looking to improve at the position. However, the Avalanche's main competitor in the trade market is the Boston Bruins. The Bruins are going to be aggressively looking to add a center. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci both retired during the offseason. While players like Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle, and Morgan Geekie have been contributing well down the middle, they are surely going to want a high-impact center as they gear up for the postseason. The Avs and Bruins have been linked to Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm. He would be a marvelous fit on both of their rosters, so it makes sense. A few other trade targets that both teams are likely to eye include Trevor Zegras, Sean Monahan, Adam Henrique, and Kevin Hayes. Basically, if there is a center available, expect both teams to be among the clubs interested. Sean Monahan. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzNjAyNjI0Mjg3NjE0OTA3/usatsi_22238749_168401874_lowres.jpg] Sean Monahan. Yet, on the bright side, the Avalanche have a major advantage over the Bruins in trade talks. They have both their 2024 and 2025 first-round picks and a stronger prospect pool. Meanwhile, the Bruins do not have their 2024 first-rounder and have few notable prospects. Thus, the Avalanche are in a better position to do some damage in the center trade market. With both teams having Stanley Cup expectations, they are going to be active buyers until the deadline. It will be fun to see which team has the better deadline because of it. RECENT AVALANCHE STORIES Avalanche players who could be traded to acquire Elias Lindholm [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/commentary/avalanche-players-who-could-be-traded-to-acquire-elias-lindholm] Avalanche on the hunt for goalie help [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/.preview/cn02d3d9e220072640?auth=1705788992:f9c4de5659bc316b4cb212280c0402a418edd952&nonce=1705702593213] Avalanche forward enters NHL Player Assistance program [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/avalanche-forward-enters-nhl-player-assistance-program] Avalanche's Bednar responds to flattering comments [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/news/avalanches-bednar-responds-to-flattering-comments] AROUND THE NHL Related: 'I Was Confused to Be Honest': Edmonton Oilers' Warren Foegele Robbed of Significant Milestone by Officiating in the Last Minute of the Game [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/i-was-confused-to-be-honest-edmonton-oilers-warren-foegele-robbed-of-significant-milestone-by-officiating-in-the-last-minute-of-the-game] Related: Is Jake DeBrusk's Production Dependent On His Linemates? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/news/is-jake-debrusks-production-dependent-on-his-linemates-] Related: 3 Candidates For Philadelphia Flyers Captaincy [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/analysis/3-candidates-for-philadelphia-flyers-captaincy] Related: Specialty Jersey Revealed by Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/news/specialty-jersey-revealed-by-lightning]
