Avalanche reportedly eyeing surprising free agent targets to reinforce their bottom-six
Photo credit: Rich Lam / Vegas Hockey Knight
The Colorado Avalanche are reportedly considering a range of surprising free agent targets as part of their plan to bolster the depth and competitiveness of their bottom-six forward group heading into next season.
Following the trades of Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Avalanche now have approximately $6.5 million in cap space to work with.
Avalanche eyeing surprising free agent targets ahead of next season.
James Johnson from Rinksiders writes that Logan O'Connor will miss the beginning of next season due to hip surgery. This opens up opportunities for Ross Colton, Jack Drury, and Parker Kelly. Additionally, fringe players such as Ivan Ivan, Matthew Steinburg, and Nikita Prishchepov are competing for roster spots.
Newly acquired Daniil Gushchin, coming off two consecutive seasons averaging nearly a point per game, will also be vying for a place on the team. Clearly, the Avalanche need to bring in at least two more players before the season kicks off.
Which free agents are still available as potential additions?
Victor Olofsson represents the second and last available traditional 'top-nine' forward remaining in free agency.
"In 56 games with the Vegas Golden Knights last season, Olofsson had 15 goals and 29 points. Olofsson frequented one of the two Vegas powerplay units, swapping with Pavel Dorofeyev on the right side flank. He definitely possesses the best shot of the remaining free agents." -Johnson
Luke Kunin would bring a unique dimension to the Avalanche's roster that they currently lack. While a stats-focused team like the Colorado might be hesitant to pursue him, Kunin fits the mold of a classic bottom-six checker.
Since the Avalanche's forward group doesn't feature many physically tough, gritty players, they might consider adding Kunin to introduce that tougher, more rugged presence.
Like Kunin, Brett Leason adds a physical presence to the team but also has the ability to chip in offensively from time to time.
"He had a career year with the Ducks in 2023-24, scoring 11 goals and 22 points in 68 games. His shooting percentage was halved last year, dropping his goal total to five and point total to 17 in 62 games. At 6'5″, Leason isn't strong analytically, but he's much better than Kunin." -Johnson
Lastly, Kevin Rooney experienced somewhat of a 'bouce back' during the 2024-25 season, establishing himself as an important penalty killer for the Calgary Flames.
"He left a lot to be desired at even strength, however, which is why he only had an average time on ice of 9:25. Rooney is the only 'traditional' centre on this list, so he might get a bit of a bump after the Coyle trade." -Johnson
It seems like another move will likely be made by Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland before the start of next season.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 28 | 11 ANSWERS Avalanche reportedly eyeing surprising free agent targets to reinforce their bottom-six Which free agent forward should the Avalanche target this offseason? | ||
| Victor Olofsson | 7 | 63.6 % |
| Luke Kunin | 2 | 18.2 % |
| Brett Leason | 1 | 9.1 % |
| Kevin Rooney | 1 | 9.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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