The Colorado Avalanche are on the outside looking in on the 2012 NHL Playoffs, a familiar scene in recent years. The Avalanche could look at making a trade or two before the Feb. 27 afternoon deadline to make a deal. But will it be to make a push for one of the final spots in the Western Conference, or will it be to get a return for a player that could leave as an unrestricted free agent this offseason?

One week ago, Adrian Dater of the Denver Post speculates that winger David Jones could fall into the category of an impending free agent who should be traded. As Dater points out, the Avalanche might not be able to get much in return for him, but anything would likely be better than seeing him walk as a free agent (that is, if the team doesn't want to give him a raise to keep him).

The Avalanche currently have 60 points, three points behind No. 8 seed Phoenix Coyotes. The Calgary Flames are just ahead of the Avalanche with 62 points. Maybe the Avalanche will be neither buyers nor sellers; rather they'll stand pat.

The NHL Trade Deadline is 12 days away.

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