Blockbuster deal as Manson is moved to Colorado

 Blockbuster trade

Anaheim                               Colorado

Drew Helleson                                          Josh Manson  $2.05 Million (50% retained)

2023 2RD pick (COL)

Analysis: The Ducks and Avalanche kick off what will be a busy week of trades in the NHL as Anaheim moves Manson. Now this trade blindsided me as I was not expecting a deal likes this yet. Colorado was rumoured to trade for someone especially after the injuries to Girard and Landeskog that could leave them out until the playoffs and they needed more players to help and they get one in Manson. Manson is a top 4 D-Men who plays a physical type of game and that is what was missing in the playoffs last year in my opinion, as their defence got pushed around a lot by Vegas so getting a more physical partner for Girard in the playoffs was a smart move. Manson is only signed for the rest of this year and with the retained salary he will only cost Colorado $2.05 Million and that is enough to fit in their cap without anyone going on LTIR. He has 4 goals and 9 points in 45 games this year and even though he hasn't been to productive this year I would put him with Girard when he gets back on the 2nd line and make a formidable top 4 in Colorado. As for Anaheim they get a nice return for a pending UFA, now the one surprise I had was I was expecting a Manson trade to come after Lindholm resigned with Anaheim, so in my opinion ether the Ducks felt they weren't going to sign Manson anyway or they are close on a Lindholm extension so that prompted them to make a deal. The Ducks get a 2RD pick in 2023 so that could definitely produce a good player I think in what will be a deep draft next year and the also get Helleson. Now Helleson was a prospect I was not very familiar with but now I see that he was a 2RD pick in 2019 and has had a extraordinary season in Boston collage where he played this year putting up 25 points in 32 games and after his season is done he most likely turn pro and sign with Anaheim on a ELC as he has not had a NHL contract yet but he will probably be a top 4 NHL Defensemen for Anaheim in a few years. So to recap the Avalanche get a top 4 physical defensemen to help with their playoff run and the Ducks get a possible future top 4 Defensemen and a 2RD pick in next year draft but to me this is a great deal for both teams and I have a feeing that neither team is done with making deals, but tell me your thoughts on this deal in the comments.