A look at four candidates to be traded by the Avalanche at the deadline

Francois Beauchemin

GP: 52 G: 2 A: 11 P: 13 +/-: -8 PIM: 22

Possible destinations: Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs

Now, Beauchemin can dictate where he goes, as he has a no-movement clause. That being said, because of the same clause, he is the person the team should be looking to move the most.

Keeping Beauchemin would handcuff the Avalanche during this summer’s expansion draft, as the team would be forced to protect him (unless he agrees to waive the NMC). With the team likely to protect Erik Johnson, Tyson Barrie and Nikita Zadorov, they would have to protect eight skaters and a goaltender instead of seven forwards, three defenseman and a goalie.

Now, even at 36, Beauchemin still has a lot to offer a contender. Though turnover-prone, he is adept at moving the puck, will hit, will block shots and provides a veteran presence (he does have a Stanley Cup ring). The Avalanche might have to retain some salary to get maximum value in return, but he could fetch a second or third-round pick.