Avalanche veteran defenseman at center of unexpected development
Photo credit: Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports
Since being acquired during the Colorado Avalanche 2022's Stanley Cup run, Josh Manson has established himself as a confident fixture on the team's blue line.
However, his play has noticeably declined from the level he showed during that championship push.
Shocking update on Avalanche veteran blueliner.
Evan Liu from Hockey Mountain High writes that Manson appeared in just 48 games throughout the season, recording only one goal and 14 assists. It marks his lowest point total in a full season with the Avalanche since 2022-23, when he managed 10 points in just 27 games.
Manson played in just 48 games this season, finishing with one goal and 14 assists. It's his lowest point total in a full campaign with the Avalanche since the 2022-23. when he posted 10 points in only 27 games.
"The 33-year-old defender struggled with an upper-body injury throughout the year. He missed the last month of the regular season with it. It followed just two weeks after he returned from a previous injury, which left him out for a month. He was also out for a month between the end of November and December. In case it's been unnoticeable, he's been very injury-prone ever since winning the Cup. This could be due to his style of play, which is his strength. He had 59 blocks and 105 hits. However, he struggled moving the puck several times. He ended with 74 turnovers, averaging nearly two per game." -Liu
Will he stay in Colorado?
Arguably the biggest question facing the Avalanche is whether he's worth his current contract. For a player who's had trouble staying healthy and holding a spot in the top four, he's carrying a hefty salary, especially with the team tight against the cap.
"Manson is entering the final year of his four-year contract worth $4.5 million yearly. He has a modified no-trade clause with 12 teams." -Liu
Colorado appears to believe only minor tweaks are needed this offseason. If they're confident Manson is healthy and ready to contribute, they'll likely keep him. But if a better deal surfaces for a comparable defenseman, the Avalanche may decide it's time to move on from him.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 7 | 24 ANSWERS Avalanche veteran defenseman at center of unexpected development Will Josh Manson get traded at some point next season? | ||
| yes | 5 | 20.8 % |
| no | 19 | 79.2 % |
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