[NHL] Colorado Avalanche Bolsters Roster with Trenin and Sward Acquisitions from Predators
(Denver, CO = Won Jeong) In a strategic move, the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club has announced the acquisition of forward Yakov Trenin and the rights to promising unsigned draft pick Graham Sward from the Nashville Predators. This exchange involves sending defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and Colorado’s 2025 third-round draft pick to the Predators.
Trenin, 27, brings a robust skill set to the Avalanche, having notched 14 points (10g/4a) in 60 contests with the Predators during the 2023-24 season. Notably, he ranks third on the team in hits with an impressive 171 and shares the Predators’ lead with a +12 rating. Trenin’s career trajectory includes 283 regular-season games with Nashville, accumulating 79 points (46g/33a) from 2019-24. His recent performance tied his career high with 24 points (12g/12a) and marked personal bests in assists, including his first two career shorthanded tallies. Trenin has also contributed to the Predators’ playoff runs with 10 appearances, amassing five points (5g/0a).
Originally from Chelyabinsk, Russia, Trenin’s professional journey extends to the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg and the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, where he earned recognition as an AHL All-Star.
Graham Sward, a 20-year-old defenseman, currently shines with the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild, posting an impressive 73 points (15g/58a) over 58 games as an alternate captain. His notable achievements rank him among WHL defensemen leaders in assists (2nd), points (2nd), and goals (T-4th). Sward, hailing from Abbotsford, British Columbia, has accumulated 172 points (33g/139a) in 242 regular-season games over six seasons in the WHL, representing the Spokane Chiefs and Wild franchises.
The Predators drafted Sward in the fifth round (146th overall) during the 2022 NHL Draft. In return, the Avalanche sent defenseman Jeremy Hanzel, a 21-year-old selected in the sixth round (187th overall) during the 2023 NHL Draft, who is currently playing for the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. These strategic moves reflect the Avalanche’s commitment to fortifying their roster for future successes.
