Let’s hear it for small-market hockey

The Avalanche jettisoning of defenseman Kyle Quincey and adding of winger Steve Downie in the three-team trade Tuesday can be justified in the competitive sense. I get that. Colorado had a numbers issue on defense and needed more grit, or at least grit with some talent accompanying it, at forward. But two additional things jumped out at me, and I couldn’t resist saying them from the peanut gallery. One, wow, that’ll teach Kyle Quincey to be a malconontent, which is what the Avalanche seemed to be hinting. I fully realize Colorado first traded him to Tampa Bay, which passed him along, but what a punishment for his alleged grousing! He has to go to the Detroit Red Wings, the best team in the league and where he started his NHL career. Two, it saved the Avalanche money. Not a lot, but heck, every bit helps. Both Quincey and Downie have expiring deals. According to the amazing capgeek.com, Quincey is making $3.25 million this season with a cap hit of $3.125 million. Downie is making $1...