Hotstove: Should Colorado Trade Parenteau?

Welcome to the Hotstove! As always, I am your host, Travis Yost.

Interesting stuff coming out of Denver these days, as the Central division's third-place Avalanche chase down a playoff berth in the Western Conference.

Despite the team's on-ice success, there appears to be a bit of a disconnect between the coaching staff and prized acquisition P.A Parenteau, signed on a four-year, $16MM contract in July of 2012. Parenteau enjoyed a very successful 2012 campaign, with 18G and 25A in 43GP.

This year, though, has been a slice underwhelming. Parenteau missed a few weeks of the year with a knee injury, and has scored 26-points in 41-games; a decline from last year's monstrous production. Most notably, since returning from said knee injury, Parenteau has not looked good.

TVA's Renaud Lavoie was the first to note of Parenteau potentially appearing on the trade-block (which TSN's Bob McKenzie later reiterated):

It seems sort of panicky that Colorado would trade an obvious point-producer, especially if their disappointment only stems from his play post-injury. CBS' Eye on Hockey expanded on this point a nit, but noted that a Parenteau trade could net them a defenseman -- something of an obvious need:

Moreover, Parenteau has been out of a top-six role since recently returning from an MCL sprain, playing on the third and fourth lines the last couple of games. The Avalanche have plenty of skilled and young forwards that it might not be easy for Parenteau to work his way back into that mix.

It would seem somewhat odd for a team in Colorado's position -- third in the Central Division -- to trade a player like Parenteau but if he can help them upgrade the defense, which still needs some work, then maybe it's worth it. He could be an attractive option for any one of the number of teams looking for offensive help and the Canadiens fit that mold. It doesn't hurt that he is originally from Quebec, either.

It's an interesting position for the Avalanche front office, assuming the media reports are true. So, the question here is two-fold:

One, should the Colorado Avalanche really consider trading P.A. Parenteau?

Two, if so, what should Colorado look for in return?

Thanks for reading!