Avalanche reportedly still eyeing another free agent before opening night
Photo credit: The Hockey News
A new report suggests that the Colorado Avalanche are still actively exploring options to add another free agent to their roster, aiming to strengthen their lineup ahead of the upcoming NHL season.
Over the past few weeks, several professional tryout players around the league have been signed to professional tryout (PTO) contracts, and the Avalanche could be looking to follow a similar path.
Avalanche may look to add another free agent before the start of next season.
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that the Avalanche already boast significant defensive depth, and Erik Johnson is still interested in playing. Ryan Suter is one of just two active NHL defenseman aged 40, the other being Brent Burns, who is already on Colorado's roster.
"All of these are reasons why this wouldn't make sense. But Suter is still a solid defenseman and I'm surprised nobody has picked him up. I had to include him for that reason alone. Plus, the team could use the extra left-shot help." -Deen
Speaking of left-shot defenseman, consider a 6'3», 204-pound defender with years of experience as third-pair blueliner, capable on the penalty kill and strong with his size. Jon Merrill ticks all the boxes the Avalanche would want in a depth defenseman. More than Suter, I'm genuinely surprised he's still available.
"He would fit really well on that third pair, whether he's with Burns or Josh Manson." -Deen
Lastly, the Avalanche should think about giving Robbi Fabbri a PTO. At 29, he offers both untapped potential and a low-risk, high-reward profile. Able to play center or wing, Fabbri produced at a 30-point pace in 44 games last season, making him a worthy camp invite.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 7 | 18 ANSWERS Avalanche reportedly still eyeing another free agent before opening night Which free agent should the Avalanche sign to a PTO? | ||
| Ryan Suter | 4 | 22.2 % |
| Robbi Fabbri | 12 | 66.7 % |
| Jon Merrill | 2 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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