The Colorado Avalanche made a bold move at the 2024 trade deadline, swapping Bowen Byram for Casey Mittelstadt. It was a classic case of filling an immediate need: the Avs needed a second-line center, and Mittelstadt was supposed to be the answer.
But now? Things haven’t exactly worked out as planned.
Meanwhile, Byram is in Buffalo, and rumors suggest he might not be in their long-term plans either. That raises a fascinating question: what if the Avs just traded back for Bowen Byram? It sounds wild, but is it really that crazy?
The Problem: Mittelstadt Hasn’t Solved 2C
Casey Mittelstadt was brought in to stabilize the second-line center spot, a role the Avs have struggled to fill since Nazem Kadri’s departure. But despite flashes of strong play, Mittelstadt hasn’t quite fit in Jared Bednar’s system the way the team had hoped.
He’s talented, but he hasn’t fully clicked as the Avs’ 2C, leaving Colorado still searching for the ideal long-term solution.
Meanwhile, the Avalanche’s defensive depth is shakier than expected—which is where Byram’s absence is being felt.
The Case for Bringing Byram Back
Byram was a fan favorite in Colorado, and his high-end skating and puck-moving ability were crucial during the Avs’ Stanley Cup run. The trade with Buffalo was a gamble on positional need—but what if Colorado simply reversed the trade and took Byram back?
Here’s why it makes sense:
✅ Buffalo might not see Byram as a core piece. He hasn’t signed an extension yet, and there are whispers that the Sabres might consider flipping him for the right offer.
✅ Colorado’s defensive depth isn’t what it used to be. With injuries and inconsistency in the lineup, the Avs could use another dynamic defenseman.
✅ It wouldn’t be the first time a team has ‘undone’ a trade. Players have returned to former teams before—this wouldn’t be unprecedented.
Byram knows the system. He thrived here. It would take the right deal, but this move could restore balance to the Avalanche’s defense without completely giving up on Mittelstadt’s value.
The Big Question: Who Plays 2C?
Here’s the problem: trading Mittelstadt back for Byram means the Avs still need a legitimate second-line center. So, if they made this move, they’d need a backup plan at 2C.
Some potential solutions:
- Free Agency: If the Avs swap Mittelstadt for Byram, they could try to sign a veteran 2C in the offseason.
- Another Trade: If the Avs went this route, they could flip another asset for a different center at the deadline.
- Internal Solution: Could someone like Ross Colton handle more responsibility? That’s debatable.
Regardless, one thing is clear: The Avs need to get the second-line center spot right if they want to maximize their Cup window.
Would Buffalo Even Go for This?
It depends. If Buffalo isn’t completely sold on Byram, they might consider flipping him back in the right deal. The Sabres have other young defensemen in the system and might value keeping Mittelstadt, who is under contract for two more years.
At the very least, it’s worth making the call.
Final Thought: Would You Do It?
Bringing Bowen Byram back to Colorado would be a shocking move, but it could make sense if the Avs are still unconvinced about Mittelstadt’s long-term fit.
If Joe Sakic & Co. made this call, would you want them to pull the trigger? Or is Mittelstadt still worth the investment as the 2C?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—because this trade might not be as crazy as it sounds. 👀