Mario Ferraro has emerged as one of the most intriguing trade candidates on the market, and Colorado is reportedly circling the San Jose defenseman with serious intent. The hard-nosed top-four blueliner represents exactly the kind of impactful left-shot defenseman the Avalanche's blueline desperately needs, and pairing him with former Sharks veteran Brent Burns could transform their second pairing.

Colorado sits atop the Central with MacKinnon and Nelson owning the top-two center spots, but GM Chris MacFarland knows that drop-off to the third line screams for an upgrade before the March 6 deadline. Insiders whisper about reunion dreams like Ryan O'Reilly or Vincent Trocheck sliding in for faceoff wins and depth scoring, while lefty defensemen such as Mario Ferraro or Logan Stanley could shore up the blue line without breaking the bank.