Colorado Avalanche Acquire Goaltender Reto Berra From The Calgary Flames For A Second-Round Draft Pick

Jan 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Calgary Flames goalie Reto Berra (29) stands on the ice during the second period against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche made only one move prior to the NHL Trade Deadline on Wednesday afternoon as they acquired 27-year-old goaltender Reto Berra from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a second-round draft pick. Berra is in his first year as an NHL player as he tallied a record of 9-17-2, 2.95 GAA, .897% save percentage in 29 games played.

Berra will provide depth down at Colorado’s affiliate Lake Erie where prospect Sami Aittokallio has been hurt. This move could also indicate that veteran goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere is likely running out of time as he has been shaky this year in a Colorado Avalanche uniform. Berra could be the back-up to Semyon Varlamov next season when it’s all said and done.

The biggest move the Avalanche made at the deadline however, is that they didn’t move potential free-agent Paul Stastny. Stastny’s name has been linked to rumors and whatnot since the forward could be a free-agent, but not trading him is a strong indication that the forward could sign a deal before free-agency begins on Jul. 1st. Stastny also indicated to the Denver Post that he would be willing to take a hometown discount with the Avs. Ryan O’Reilly is a restricted free-agent this offseason as well while management has a strong belief these two will resign.

Patrick Roy said he wanted to take things slow at the deadline which was the right thing to do with this young, talented roster. Not making any big chances to the roster will help this team play together with the familiarity, rather than adding a player and messing up the chemistry. Which you can insert the motto, ‘If it aint broke don’t break it’.