Avalanche Weekly Wrap: Eller Acquired, Makar Returns to Lineup

The trade deadline dominated a lot of the talk the past week. Not just for the Colorado Avalanche, but for the rest of the league.

The Avalanche did make one move, picking up veteran center Lars Eller from the Washington Capitals. Perhaps the bigger news was that they didn’t make any other moves.

On the ice, the week started well, but things fell apart as the week went on. More specifically, the defensive structure of the team fell apart.

Let’s take a look back at the past week for the team.

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Monday

On Sunday night, the Avalanche acquired Jack Johnson. Everyone knows what he brings in the locker room, but is it an upgrade on the ice?

Johnson was happy to be back the next day, and met with the media before his first game back.

That night, Chris MacFarland spoke to the media before the upcoming trade deadline. He would not comment on any contract negotiations with J.T. Compher.

Also that night? The Avalanche shut down Vegas in a shutout victory.

Mikko Rantanen spoke about what hitting the 40 goal mark meant to him.

Josh Manson and Devon Toews were standouts defensively for the team.

Tuesday

Turning Point: Four-on-Three Builds Momentum (+)

Wednesday

Minutes after morning skate had ended, news came out the Avalanche had traded for Lars Eller.

TRADE ANALYSIS: Avalanche Acquire ‘Reliable’ Eller; What Does it Mean for Newhook?

Justus Annunen didn’t have a great night, but the Avalanche hung him out to dry in their loss to the Devils.

Eller spoke after the game about the trade and what a crazy day it had been.

Thursday

Turnovers were a problem against the Devils.

Turning Point: In a Giving Mood (+)

Friday

More bad injury news came out on Friday, despite Makar returning the next day.

The Avalanche did nothing on Friday at the trade deadline. MacFarland said they could not find the “right fit” for a trade.

Trade Deadline Underwhelms, But So Does The Western Conference (+)

Saturday

Grading the moves the Avalanche made before the trade deadline.

The Stars punched the Avalanche in the mouth in an afternoon affair.

The only good news to come from the game against Dallas was the return of Cale Makar.

Sunday

Avalanche Turning Point: More Self-Inflicted Wounds (+)