The Colorado Avalanche have traded forward Cody McLeod to the Nashville Predators in exchange for forward Felix Girard. The deal was completed and announced on Friday.
McLeod, 32 years old, was the longest tenured member of the Avalanche prior to the trade. Signed as an undrafted player in the summer of 2006, McLeod made his debut with the Avs during the 2007-08 season. In 659 career games with the Avs, McLeod registered 66 goals and 117 points along with 1350 plus penalty minutes. McLeod has registered 1 goal in 28 games this season.
Girard, 22 years old, was a 4th round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2013 draft. Girard, who has yet to play in a NHL game, has scored 12 goals and 38 points in 172 AHL games.
As of note, the Avalanche will retain 40% of McLeod’s contract. McLeod holds a cap hit of $1.33 million and is under contract for next season as well. $533K will be on the Avs’ books until the summer of 2018.
Felix Girard has been reassigned to the San Antonio Rampage and will play for his former junior coach Eric Veilleux.
With the rumors and speculation surrounding the team, this trade could be a sign of things to come. Avalanche General Manager Joe Sakic has stated that he wants to get “younger” and “faster”. Names to watch as the trade deadline approaches: John Mitchell, Rene Bouque, Fedor Tyutin and Francois Beauchemin.
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