Recent rumors have suggested that Colorado Avalanche center Casey Mittelstadt could be on the trading block. This made me wonder: what if Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams decided to try to bring back the organization’s eighth-overall pick from 2017?
Mittelstadt began the season on a high note in Colorado, racking up 16 points in his first 15 games. However, since then, his production has dropped off considerably, with just 14 points in the next 32 games. This decline is surprising, considering the potential he showed after the Sabres traded him to Colorado at last season’s trade deadline. Although his regular-season stats weren’t outstanding—10 points in 18 games with his new team—he showed up in the playoffs, notching an impressive 9 points in 11 games.
However, lately, Mittelstadt’s role with the Avalanche has decreased. He was brought in to fill the second-line center position in exchange for Bowen Byram, but just 10 months later, head coach Jared Bednar has him centering the fourth line. In their Jan. 16 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the lineup had Mikko Rantanen—a natural right-winger—centering the second line instead of Mittelstadt. However, in their 6-3 win over the Dallas Stars on Jan. 18, Mittelstadt was back in the second-line center role. Bednar could have been trying to send him a message by playing him on the fourth line, but either way, this could put his future in Colorado in question and make him an attractive trade option for the Sabres.
Adams Should Buy Low
With Mittelstadt facing challenges this season, this might be the perfect opportunity for Adams to acquire the 26-year-old center at a lower cost. Before he was traded to the Avalanche, he seemed to fit into the Sabres’ long-term vision. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. As a restricted free agent last summer, he was looking for a long-term contract, but Buffalo only offered him a bridge deal, which ultimately resulted in his departure.
When he was traded, Mittelstadt was having a standout season, with 47 points in 62 games, and he could regain that form in Buffalo—returning to a familiar setting where he has already found success. If the Avalanche are looking to move him, a trade involving a depth player or a couple of prospects could benefit both teams. Here are two mock trades that could facilitate this reunion.
Mock Trade #1:…
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