Colorado Avalanche

The Value of: Ales Kotalik

NHL Hot Stove presents it’s “The Value Of” series which will look at some of the names discussed around the NHL who likely will be moved at the March 3rd trade deadline.

After enduring four long games on the bench after a few previous stints watching from the press box, Ranger forward Ales Kotalik would like a trade. Jim Schmiedeberg of Blueshirt Banter describes the full story as Kotalik seems destined for a new destination.

The Value of: Marek Svatos

It is no secret Marek Svatos of the Colorado Avalanche played his way out of the line up. His fragile history caught up to him this year as well. Currently battling through an injury, his availability becomes questionable at best.

Avalanche Looking to Move a Defenseman?

With Avs rumors swirling around the internet, beat writer Adrian Dater of The Denver Post puts pretty much every current rumor involving youngsters Matt Duchene or Ryan O’Reilly to shame.

So the answer to the talented twosome leaving Colorado is no. These rumors are false. No move will be made for Ilya Kovalchuk. No need to swap veteran underachievers with the Flyers. Nothing.

Dater, however, does hypothesize as to what till happen once Kyle Cumiskey returns from his foot injury. Cumiskey, a young defenseman known for his offensive prowess very well could be the odd man out. However, a 23-year-old d-man with limited NHL experience and a lengthy injury history provides limited value in the current trade market.

That leaves two players likely on the block: Jean-Michael Liles and Ryan Wilson. The latter an undrafted free agent who at the ripe age of 22 actually is producing at the NHL level.

Turning a free-agent signing into a need would be excellent asset management as long as the team feels the current player they see is his ceiling. His reasonable capt hit of $ 551, 667 through 2011 certainly adds remarkable value should he be shopped.