[link_box id=”22277″ site_id=”17″ layout=”link-box-third” alignment=”alignright”]The Colorado Avalanche recently traded Cody McLeod to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Felix Girard. The trade, one which will likely be the first of many involving the Avs, was the first move by a team which desperately needs to rebuild and get younger. Aside from the obvious need to rebuild, the Avalanche also said they dealt McLeod as a favor to the 10-year veteran.
According to the Denver Post, Avs general manager Joe Sakic moved McLeod to give the veteran an opportunity to win before his playing days are over.
Sakic:
“We moved him as, first of all, a favor to him and give him an opportunity. And he welcomed it. I know it was probably a hard decision for him, but I think hockey-wise, where he is in his career, he wants a chance. This is all respect for Cody.”
Sakic reiterated that the move wasn’t a salary dump, but it will create room on the roster for Erik Johnson when he returns from an injury.
Moving McLeod was just the first of many expected moves from the Avalanche. Several players have been rumored to be on the move including some big names in Matt Duchene and even Gabriel Landeskog. It’s pretty unlikely that the team will deal all of their stars, but trading McLeod could be the first of many future trades.
