Welcome back, native of Long Beach, Matt Nieto

Why the deal happened, and why the Avs finally gave up on Martin Kaut

Martin Kaut is a San Jose Shark and Matt Nieto is a member of the Colorado Avalanche… again.

There is a lot to unpack in a trade that will barely send ripples through the NHL landscape. It will have a sizable impact on the Avs lineup, though.

Let’s pay some last respects to Kaut. He’s been in dire need of a fresh start and this is a move that allows that. Going to San Jose is a good spot for him as they’re in a rebuild mode and playing on a team without top-tier talent with limited expectations for the next few years alleviates the pressure he was feeling on a Cup-caliber team in the prime of their window in Colorado.

A former first-round pick (16th in 2018), the expectations for Kaut were always a bit too high in Denver. If we’re being honest, the 2018 Entry Draft isn’t one that is going to go down in the annals of NHL lore as anything special. But a first-round pick is always going to be a first-round pick in the eyes of the fanbase of the team making the selection.

Going to NorCal with Kaut is Jacob MacDonald. A Swiss Army Knife for the Avs during his time in Denver, MacDonald was a player who could be slotted into the fourth line or the third pair and no one would bat an eye. He wasn’t anything special at either, but his ability to take up a roster spot probably saved the front office from continued call-ups and putting others on waivers.

What do the Avalanche get back? Former Avalanche player Matt Nieto. Why did this happen? Let’s explain the ways: