Colorado Avalanche Rumors: Michael Del Zotto

Oct 8, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto (4) warms up before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the NHL columnist said Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic has been scouting teams looking for a defenseman. It’s no surprise that the Avs should be in need of d-men after Nate Guenin single-handedly gave the game away Saturday night in a shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild.The Avalanche have been thin at the defense position for quite some time, as they just recently got back Jan Hejda and Ryan Wilson. Hejda played in last nights game but Wilson didn’t due to the fact Patrick Roy wanted Wilson to get more practice time.

Which brings the focus to Bruce Garrioch’s Sunday column:

"Avalanche GM Joe Sakic has been scouring the market looking for a blueliner. Colorado isn’t happy with the mix it has among its defencemen and the club knows it has to make changes to compete in the playoffs. It’s believed the Avs have shown interest in Rangers D Michael Del Zotto, but the club has made it clear it wants a top-four defenceman in return and Colorado doesn’t have that kind of real estate to offer up."

Del Zotto, 23 was a first-round selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, drafted 20th overall by the Rangers. After his rookie season, he would make the NHL All-Rookie First Team. He played well in the 12′-13 campaign as he would score 3 goals with 18 assists, earning a plus/minus of +6. The point production isn’t there this season, 2 goals and 5 assists in 25 games but that’s not a cause for concern.

That kind of swap for the Avs wouldn’t do them any good, unless they could persuade the Rangers to take winger Jamie McGinn. The Avalanche do have some defense prospects in Duncan Siemans and Chris Bigras but wont be NHL ready for a year or so. The Colorado Avalanche were interested in Florida’s Dmitry Kulikov earlier in the month, but talks cooled off. Rumors were Kulikov was unhappy with the NHL life and might return home to play in the KHL.

The Colorado Avalanche are currently 21-9-1 with 43 points tied for third place in the Central Division with the Minnesota Wild. They will host the Dallas Stars tomorrow night at the Pepsi Center, puck-drop at 9:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM MT.