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Senior Writer, ESPN The Magazine- E.J. Hradek is a senior writer at ESPN The Magazine, joining the staff prior to its launch in 1998. He began covering hockey as a writer/editor for Hockey Illustrated in 1989.
After the Winter Olympics end, NHL teams will have just three days to tweak their rosters ahead of the March 3 trade deadline. Insider has linked ESPN The Magazine's E.J. Hradek with the metric-heads over at Puck Prospectus to evaluate every team's roster and the surrounding whispers from NHL Rumor Central. This is how your team could improve for a run at the playoffs, the Stanley Cup ... or for next season.
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Colorado Avalanche
The young Avalanche have been among the top surprises during the 2009-10 season. First-year GM Greg Sherman might be tempted to make a big move to add some additional help. Hopefully, he'll resist any foolish thoughts to make a trade based solely on short-term interest. The Avs remain very much a work in process, and they wouldn't be where they are in the standings without the rock-steady play of goaltender Craig Anderson.
Clearly, if the Avs can bring in a reasonably priced veteran to support their kids down the stretch and during the playoffs, they should consider it. I wouldn't fool too much with their roster, though. It's an old saying, but ... why ruin a good thing? -- E.J. Hradek