The NHL rumor mill is spinning fast as the Colorado Avalanche are reportedly in serious negotiations to acquire Clayton Keller, the Arizona Coyotes’ star winger and one of the most skilled offensive players currently on the trade market.
Keller, who is midway through an eight-year, $57.2 million contract signed in 2019, has remained a bright spot for a struggling Coyotes franchise. With a cap hit of $7.15 million per year through the 2027–28 season, he’s seen as a long-term asset—but also a valuable trade chip as Arizona considers a broader rebuild.
The Avalanche are eyeing Keller as a potential game-changer to support stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, especially after a frustrating playoff exit in 2024. Adding Keller to their forward corps would immediately boost their offensive firepower and add another proven scorer to their top six.
According to league insiders, while there is strong mutual interest, the deal is not yet finalized. Colorado’s front office, led by GM Chris MacFarland, is reportedly still ironing out final terms of the trade, which could include a first-round pick and top prospects.
More importantly, discussions have reportedly expanded beyond just the trade itself. Talks are underway for a potential contract restructuring or extension that could keep Keller in Colorado even longer—possibly beyond the terms of his current deal.
If completed, this deal could mark one of the NHL’s biggest in-season acquisitions—and potentially set the Avalanche up as a Stanley Cup favorite once again.
For now, Avalanche fans will have to wait as negotiations continue, but the momentum is building quickly for what could become a blockbuster move in the Mile High City.
