Before casting aspersions on the Avalanche front office for its lack of 2023 trade deadline deals, it might be wise to observe other playoff results.
Colorado’s early elimination against scrappy Seattle was unexpected and unacceptable for a team with proven championship credentials, but at least it didn’t cost as much as New York’s first-round exit. Or Boston’s, or Tampa’s.
The Rangers, Bruins and Lightning were three of the heavy spenders at the trade deadline in March. Turns out rentals were a waste of time this year.
Boston’s Game 7 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers — the same night Colorado’s season ended — would have been a historic upset even if the Bruins had done nothing at the deadline.