The Colorado Avalanche, with an insane record atop the entire NHL, still have a problem. But fear not, it’s an outstanding problem for the team to be facing.

It comes in the form of the lineup and roster depth. The Avs have tons of options, and they have used many of them, which has sparked the team this season.

The current bottom-six

These six names below have been part of the bottom-six for most of the season. Outside of injuries, call-ups from the Colorado Eagles, and Zakhar Bardakov, the Avs have been consistent on the third and fourth lines.

Parker Kelly — Ross Colton — Victor Olofsson
Joel Kiviranta — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley

There has been plenty of rotation, which has seen some players from the top-six play down on the third line. Some of those players include Valeri Nichushkin, Martin Necas, and Gabriel Landeskog. All three have been solid and moved back up into the top-six.

Likewise, some players rooted in the bottom-six have played further up the lineup. Those include Ross Colton, Victor Olofsson, and the ever-impressive Gavin Brindley.

Brindley is the “problem”

Heading into the season, Brindley wasn’t someone to keep an eye on and expect much from. He has quickly shown he’s been brilliant and an option for the team moving forward.

He earned time up the lineup and even played on the power play. His nine points in 20 games have been stellar for a fourth-liner and made the lineup more expendable.

At only 21-years-old, he can continue to develop and get even better with his game. His actions on the ice mean there are more options to move players to free up cap space, get rid of contracts, and perhaps find some better players.

One player Colorado could try to find value out of because of how good Brindley has been is Kiviranta. He’s only got two points in 15 games, but has been out of the lineup because of injury. But so was Brindley, who scored two points in his first game back against the Florida Panthers.

The team could trade Kiviranta, especially since he is an upcoming UFA after signing a one-year contract in the summer. If there’s any depth Colorado could look for, it’s either a 13th forward or a seventh defenseman. If Bardakov, or another forward, ends up climbing up the totem pole, Kiviranta could be a piece to just that in a deal.

What about Logan O’Connor?

Logan O’Connor has been out all season after offseason hip surgery. His absence on-ice hasn’t been felt too much this season with the success Colorado has had. Of course, he has still been missed plentifully.

He would, however, be quite an upgrade on almost everyone in the bottom-six. Therefore, if and when he returns, someone will come out of the lineup. It easily could be Brindley or Bardakov, based on seniority.

However, if it’s based on stats, Kiviranta should be the one to come out when O’Connor is ready to go. Hence, a deal involving him seems even more likely if LOC returns and can stay healthy.

But The Mayor of Denver and his health remain in question. He was supposed to return from his surgery, but has had some lingering tissue problems unrelated to his hip. Just earlier this week, he skated for the first time in a long time. It might be awhile until he returns, giving the likes of Bardakov and Brindley even more chances to stick in the side.

Another possible mover

A name tossed around as trade fodder has been the aforementioned Ross Colton. With his four-year, $4 million AAV deal, it’s arguable he hasn’t lived up to expectations this season.

With only five goals and nine assists, he has only five more points than Brindley, who is being paid over $3 million less. His contract will expire at the end of next season, which will expire a year before Brindley’s new contract goes into effect next season.

If the Avalanche are looking to get even deeper, Colton could be another person on the way out. If they can find a similar player in the middle and bottom-six who is expendable and cheaper, it makes sense for Chris MacFarland and Joe Sakic to make a move.

The bigger question is what would even be out there and available for a move. Plus, with tons of squad turnover in the last few seasons, Jared Bednar might want to keep the personnel he currently has and not change much.

Nonetheless, it’s a wonderful problem to have for the Avalanche. What they do to “resolve” it is up to them, and it will be intriguing to watch.