Trade made. Ryan O’Reilly was a great player for the Avs but was not worth his reported asking price of an $8 million salary. Joe Sakic had to move O’Reilly to get something after the Paul Stastny debacle.
Jonathan, Denver
Kiz: O’Reilly was not the best player on the ‘Lanche, but he was our personal fave here at Kickin’ It Headquarters. It’s a bummer money issues ruined a beautiful relationship. We knew the Avs were irked with O’Reilly’s salary demands, but did they have to banish him to the NHL’s version of Siberia? Give props to Sakic, however, for making what appears to be a strong trade with Buffalo. If incoming defenseman Nikita Zadorov can make anywhere near as big an impact as his 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame would suggest, the Avs won’t be nearly so wimpy on the blue line in the future, and we here at Kickin’ It Headquarters could have a new man crush.
Lawson on sale. What do you think the Nuggets will want in a trade for point guard Ty Lawson now? His value seems low.
Josh, wheeler-dealer
Kiz: Unless a losing NBA team wants to tank, it won’t give away a point guard with speed to run a fast break and the vision to drop dimes. So, even if it’s uncomfortable, Lawson and the Nuggets seem stuck together until there’s a reasonable trade proposal on the table. Here’s my first try at a deal: How about Lawson to Boston for Isaiah Thomas as a scorer off the bench and forward Jared Sullinger? If the Celts require more, maybe sweeten the deal with a future second-round draft pick and a hookah pipe to be named later.
Ring up rumors. Don’t get me wrong. I want Peyton Manning to win another championship ring. But I have spent too many nights in January crying myself to sleep after Manning lost in the playoffs.
Chris, NFL fan in Jamaica
Kiz: I’m not sure if Manning can elevate the Texans to Super Bowl contention this season. Oh, you mean to tell me Manning didn’t get traded to Houston? Well, in that case: Never mind! It seems the Twitterverse is sometimes more efficient at spreading panic than rock-solid information.
Formatted for Z’s. And today’s parting shot is a request to deliver the wit and wisdom from Kickin’ It Headquarters on a new platform for the adoring public’s enjoyment.
Hey, Kiz: Can you put some of your columns in an audio format? I’m having trouble getting to sleep at night.
J.T., sheep counter
Mark Kiszla: mkiszla@denverpost.com or
