The first big trade of trade deadline day is in. The Arizona Coyotes have dealt winger Mikkel Boedker to the Colorado Avalanche, in return for veteran forward Alex Tanguay and prospects Kyle Wood (D) and Conner Bleackley (F).
Boedker, a 26-year-old pending unrestricted free agent, has 13 goals and 26 assists in 62 games this season. He’s also a team-worst minus-28.
The Avs are currently in a playoff spot, but are by no means guaranteed to qualify for the postseason. They are not considered strong Stanley Cup contenders, so chances are they see Boedker as a potential long-term piece, not simply a rental.
Minutes after learning of the trade, Boedker was asked by TSN about his contractual future.
“One thing at a time,” he said. “But it’s a good opportunity to be with the Avalanche, and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Of note, both Bleackley, 20, and Wood, 19, are unsigned.
Tanguay, 36, is a pending UFA.
Related: For Bleackley, lack of contract is ‘in the back of my mind’