The Colorado Avalanche were on the wrong end of some harsh criticism from a notable analyst. In particular, that criticism stems from the botched trade involving the Avalanche and the Buffalo Sabres.
We’re talking about the 2024 trade that sent Bowen Byram to the Sabres in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt.
At the time, the trade made sense for both clubs. The Sabres were looking to move on from a former eighth-overall pick who clearly needed a change of scenery. Meanwhile, the Avalanche dumped a former fourth-overall pick that just didn’t quite pan out as hoped.
The Sabres needed blueline help, the Avalanche needed a center.