Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic writes about some possible trades leading up to the trade deadline...

A lot will depend on where Colorado is in the standings closer to the Feb. 25 deadline but rest assured the idea of adding some secondary scoring would be the prime objective if the Avs decide to pull the trigger. Teams that have heard from the Avs aren’t sure yet how committed Colorado might be to making that kind of move. But there’s been chatter.

This is what I think: The Avs aren’t going to spend high-end, future assets in exchange for a big-name rental player. My sense is GM Joe Sakic and his front office still have the bigger picture in mind as far as where this team is headed over the next few years. They’ve got more coming in the system. They’ve got the Senators first-round pick this June in addition to their own. They’re going to be a really good team....

Gustav Nyquist, 29, $4.75 million AAV, UFA July 1

He’s having a nice year for the struggling Red Wings. But he’s got a full no-trade clause. Also, it’s not out of the question he re-signs. His camp is slated to speak again with Wings management later this month.

more ($$$) names, more destinations...