In this week’s Avalanche journal, beat writer Bennett Durando shares his 2022-23 NHL Awards ballot. But first, a report card evaluating Colorado’s busy week of trades and draft picks.
Alex Galchenyuk to Nashville for … Ryan Johansen: B
An above-average trade because it was undeniably good business. Johansen fits a need. But does he fit Colorado’s style and system? That’s the only area worthy of scrutiny. Whether Johansen at 31 — fresh off leg surgery — has the skating ability to keep up with the Avalanche will be answered in October. But Galchenyuk was a pending UFA the Avs weren’t extending anyway.