Avalanche acquire Josh Manson from Ducks

The Colorado Avalanche have made the first significant move as the NHL’s trade deadline quickly approaches.

The team announced that they have acquired veteran defenceman Josh Manson from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for highly touted defensive prospect Drew Helleson and a 2023 second round draft pick.

Manson, who is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, has spent his entire seven-year professional career with the Ducks organization

The 27-year old, who recently returned from a prolonged absence due to a finger injury, has four goals and five assists in 45 games this season.

His statistics don’t exactly stand out, but his physicality combined with a shutdown ability at the blueline makes him a valuable piece for a team looking to flourish in the postseason.