from Mike Chambers of All Things Avs,

Until Sunday, when a solid first period on the road led to a mess of a second and Winnipeg taking a 4-1 lead, I thought the Avs would stand pat with their young forwards and work free agency in July with nearly $10 million in expiring contracts. But with eight shutout losses — already seven more than last season — and the horrid power play, the Avs might want to reevaluate their offensive chemistry.

The offense doesn’t click, now 24th in the 30-team NHL at 2.41 goals per game, and every forward but Daniel Briere is under contract next season. Do you just hope these talented forwards get it going next season? Or do you trade one or two for a youngster or two on the rise and mix up chemistry? The playoff teams aren’t going to trade their best players, but certainly, they’ll trade for a player they need and give up a good player and a prospect.

Too many names and too many scenarios to list here; I’m not going to create rumors by throwing out names. Obviously, Ryan O’Reilly is a very attractive player and his name continually surfaces in trade talks, but I would think the Avs will listen to any offer for any player. At this point, nobody seems untouchable.

more