Stastny, Foote staying put?

Would Colorado be willing to part with young center Paul Stastny or veteran defenseman Adam Foote? Adrian Dater of the Denver Post writes the Avalanche are not expected to move either player between now and the Monday deadline.

Foote is 39 years old and an unrestricted free agent at season's end, but Dater expects him to stay with the Avalanche through the end of the season. It is possible that Foote will retire at that point. He might have been a veteran, physical defenseman who could help in the leadership department without costing much - a low-risk move for a contender who wouldn't have expected Foote to play big minutes.

Stastny is an interesting case. He signed a five-year, $33 million contract before the 2009-10 season and was expected to be one of the centerpieces of Colorado's rebuilding plan. He was an Olympian for Team USA and had 79 points last season, but the 25-year-old hasn't taken the step from young star to superstar. He has 49 points in 60 games this season -- not bad but probably not enough for a guy making $6.6 million.

There are three years left on his deal and there is no question he could still become a bona fide No. 1 center for a contending team. Dater says there may have been some exploring done, but Stastny will stay with the Avalanche. He and Matt Duchene could still become a very potent 1-2 punch at center for Colorado. It would be interesting to see what happens if another team (like Buffalo, Los Angeles or Washington) tried to make a big offer to pry Stastny away.

Dater also writes it is still possible that defenseman John-Michael Liles could be on the move. His name has been linked most to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Back to top