Brock Nelson's new deal throws Avalanche salary cap plans into chaos
Photo credit: Tyler McFarland / Clarkson Creative
Brock Nelson made a smart decision by accepting the best deal he was likely to receive this offseason, choosing to stay with the Colorado Avalanche.
However, Nelson's new deal adds another layer of difficulty to the Avalanche's already tight salary cap situation.
Nelson's new contract throws Avalanche cap plans into chaos.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that the Avalanche started Wednesday with nearly $9 million in cap space, but by the afternoon, once Nelson's contract was finalized, PuckPedia reported that their annual cap room had dropped to just $1.2 million.
"That is not nearly enough to re-sign the Avalanche's remaining free agents or even add cost-effective contracts to round out the lineup." -Quixtan
Although teams are allowed to exceed the cap by up to 10% during the offseason, the Avalanche must trim their payroll below the $95.5 million limit before the season starts, while still signing enough players to field a complete roster.
"This complex cap situation can only mean one thing: The Colorado Avalanche will need to clear space. To do so, cap casualties will emerge. We can only speculate who those cap casualties will be at this point. But one thing is for sure, someone will have to go." -Quixtan
The most likely trade candidates are players with hefty cap hits and contracts nearing expiration. So, Avalanche fans shouldn't be shocked if GM Chris MacFarland makes a move either ahead of or during the 2025 NHL Draft.
That trade might bring back some late-round draft picks, but a blockbuster move isn't likely. In a cap dump scenario, the Avalanche would be fortunate to get much of anything in return.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
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JUIN 6 | 42 ANSWERS Brock Nelson's new deal throws Avalanche salary cap plans into chaos Are you happy with Brock Nelson's term in his new contract extension with the Avalanche? | ||
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