Avalanche backed into a corner? Devils poised to strike in potential blockbuster deal
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / Imagn Images
The New Jersey Devils are clearly aiming to boost their offense, but they're not alone. Most NHL teams are looking to upgrade this offseason.
Following Brock Nelson's contract extension, after being acquired in a major 2025 Trade Deadline deal, Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland is now left with just $1.2 million in cap space heading into the offseason.
Devils poised to strike in potential blockbuster deal.
James Nichols from NJHockeyNow writes that with six unrestricted free agents and a key restricted free agent still to re-sign, it's clear that Colorado will need to clear space to stay competitive.
"Stop us if you've heard this before, but Ross Colton is a perfect Devils trade target. Colton, a resident of Robbinsville, New Jersey, does it all. He can score goals, win faceoffs, throw the body, and is defensively responsible." -Nichols
Colton wrapped up last season with 16 goals in 61 games, putting him on a 21.5-goal pace over a full 82-game schedule. The 28-year-old forward, a former 20-goal scorer, has consistently produced, netting 16 or more goals in each of the past three seasons.
Nichols also writes that perhaps Charlie Coyle, also acquired at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline like Nelson, could be another piece the Avalanche are willing to part with.
"Coyle is going into the final season of his contract that carries a $5.25 million AAV. He's very similar to Colton in the sense that he can pot close to 20 goals, play a physical brand of hockey, is responsible in all three zones, and is tough on the forecheck." -Nichols
Admittedly, Coyle may be harder to move considering the price the Avalanche paid to acquire him, and he does hold a three-team no-trade list. Still, cap space won't create itself, and if Colorado does look to trade him, it's hard to imagine Coyle blocking a move to a contender like the Devils.
It's possible MacFarland is looking to strengthen the roster in other areas, which could put both Colton and Coyle on the chopping block in Colorado.
Source:
New Jersey Hockey Now
Devils Trade Could Take Advantage of Cap-Strapped Avalanche, Address Need
New Jersey Hockey Now
Devils Trade Could Take Advantage of Cap-Strapped Avalanche, Address Need
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 32 ANSWERS Avalanche backed into a corner? Devils poised to strike in potential blockbuster deal Which Avalanche forward is most likely to get dealt this offseason? | ||
| Ross Colton | 16 | 50 % |
| Charlie Coyle | 16 | 50 % |
| List of polls | ||
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