The Colorado Avalanche are in a precarious position as the March 7 trade deadline approaches, struggling with consistency and goal production. With a 9-9-2 record in their last 20 games and averaging just 2.6 goals per game, they find themselves near the bottom of the league in scoring. Coach Jared Bednar has highlighted that secondary scoring is needed, particularly as Nathan MacKinnon continues to be a crucial player on the ice.

Valeri Nichushkin's potential return could provide a much-needed boost, as he practiced with key players ahead of a game against the New Jersey Devils. Meanwhile, Casey Mittelstadt's performance has dipped significantly, and other forwards like Joel Kiviranta and Ross Colton have also been underperforming. The Avalanche’s depth has been called into question, with Bednar emphasizing the need for contributions from all lines if they hope to improve before the playoffs.

Recent discussions about Casey Mittelstadt highlight his struggles with the Colorado Avalanche, where he has failed to deliver the expected results. With two years remaining on his contract at $5.75 million, the Avalanche are considering moving him, especially after trading Mikko Rantanen. Experts believe that both Mittelstadt and Bowen Byram's presence on trade boards suggests dissatisfaction from both sides following their one-for-one trade last season. The Avalanche are actively seeking a deal that would enhance their competitiveness in the short term, indicating a desire for immediate improvements rather than a rebuild.

There is speculation that a trade involving Mittelstadt could be part of a more significant transaction aimed at augmenting the team's depth. The Avalanche are currently in a win-now window, especially after recognizing their lack of depth. The potential of bringing in players like J.T. Miller has been discussed, as they need more grit and a winning mentality to complement their star players.

Rickard Rakell, currently a key player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is seeing his stock rise with three years left on a $5 million contract. His performance, bolstered by being second in scoring behind Sidney Crosby, places his trade value at an all-time high. However, the Penguins would need a substantial offer to consider letting him go.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes is anticipated to be a major factor in roster decisions moving forward. With a potential salary cap increase to $113.5 million, his desire to remain in Vancouver will hinge on the team's competitive status. Speculation also surrounds his future with the New Jersey Devils, where he may join his brothers, Jack and Luke. The impending contract negotiations will dictate the direction of both Hughes' and the Canucks' futures.

As trade speculation intensifies around Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens, multiple teams, including the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings, are reportedly interested. Despite a recent dip in production, Cozens' potential keeps him in the spotlight. With a seven-year deal averaging $7.1 million annually, the Sabres are expected to demand a hefty return, possibly including a first-round draft pick. Meanwhile, former Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt is also facing scrutiny as trade rumors swirl, especially after a lackluster season with the Colorado Avalanche.

Cozens, who showed promise with a 31-goal, 68-point season two years ago, has struggled to replicate that form, prompting speculation about his future. The Canadiens, with two first-round picks, are weighing their options ahead of the March trade deadline. Mittelstadt's inconsistencies in Colorado have led to rumors linking him with several teams, including the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators.

The Colorado Avalanche have undergone significant roster changes with a blockbuster trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Martin Necas and Jack Drury. This move follows a series of adjustments by General Manager Chris MacFarland, including new goaltenders Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. Although the Avalanche have enhanced their goaltending, they are still seeking a solid second-line center after being dissatisfied with Casey Mittelstadt's performance. The team aims to bolster their lineup further, especially as they await Gabriel Landeskog's potential return from injury.

Analysts suggest that the Avalanche are not done making moves. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman indicated that they still have room for further acquisitions, particularly for forwards and centers. Potential targets like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders have been mentioned, though any deal will depend on the Islanders' management dynamics. The Avalanche's urgency to compete for the Stanley Cup heightens the stakes as they continue to reshape their roster actively.