An outstanding performance at the Olympics pitches Haula's trade value high
Erik Haula helped Team Finland win another medal with a two-goal performance in the bronze game. A reliable centerman, Haula set up plays and finished them, scoring three and assisting three for six points. He finished 16th among all Olympians this month, putting him in the same threshold as Sidney Crosby and Mikko Rantanen.
Sure, he isn't exactly a Crosby or Rantanen, but the performance matters in hindsight. If he can perform on par with some of the league's greatest, that's for sure going to increase his trade stock somewhere.
With Nashville, he currently has nine goals and 20 assists, putting him on pace for his fourth best career season. He's also one of the team's best faceoff takers, winning 51.1% of the time. In a league where a good middle-six centerman is a must, Haula fits that quota.
Colorado Hockey Now has Haula as a top trade target for the Avalanche. Considering the Avs most recently dealt former Preds defenseman and a second rounder for a bottom two defenseman, an overpay could be possible. For Haula, I can see them trade either Minnesota's or their own second rounder over along with a decent prospect/depth player in return.