Insider reveals Avalanche still pushing to land veteran defenseman before season start
Photo credit: Hockey Unplugged
Insider reports that the Colorado Avalanche are still actively pursuing veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, with the team hoping to finalize a deal before the puck drops on the 2025-26 NHL season.
The Avalanche may be monitoring a developing situation in Chicago, where the Blackhawks recently brought in Grzelcyk on a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO).
Avalanche reportedly still pursuing Matt Grzelcyk despite recent PTO signing with Chicago.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that this summer, the market for Grzelcyk dried up, leaving the veteran defenseman without a contract.
The Blackhawks eventually stepped in, offering him a PTO and a chance to earn a roster spot. While he has a solid shot at cracking the lineup, it would almost certainly come on a short-term, one-year contract.
"But then again, there's always the chance that the Blackhawks cut the veteran rearguard. So, as [Pierre] LeBrun pointed out, the Avalanche will be one of the teams keeping an eye on Grzelcyk.
Could the Avalanche have been the team that offered the vet a one-year deal this summer? It's possible, considering the contract the team extended to Brent Burns. Now, this is entirely conjecture on my end. But it's interesting that LeBrun named the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, and Avalanche as the teams interested in signing the former Bruins and Penguins defenseman." -Quixtan
Could the Avalanche have been the team that offered the vet a one-year deal this summer? It's possible, considering the contract the team extended to Brent Burns. Now, this is entirely conjecture on my end. But it's interesting that LeBrun named the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, and Avalanche as the teams interested in signing the former Bruins and Penguins defenseman." -Quixtan
If things don't pan out for Grzelcyk in Chicago, the Avalanche could see him as a depth addition. A two-way deal might give the veteran defenseman a fresh start while providing Colorado with valuable insurance on the blue line.
"So, the Avalanche could carve out a role for Grzelcyk. He's a left-shot D who could play some tough minutes. Considering that injuries always play a factor throughout the season, Grzelcyk could be a fantastic seventh defenseman. Perhaps he can push himself into the third pairing." -Quixtan
The Avalanche have little to lose by taking a chance on the former 2012 third-rounder. Fresh off a career-best 40-point season, including 39 assists on a shaky Penguins squad, he's shown he can still move the puck and generate offense from the back end.
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SEPTEMBRE 20 | 18 ANSWERS Insider reveals Avalanche still pushing to land veteran defenseman before season start Should the Avalanche pursue veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk? | ||
| yes | 9 | 50 % |
| no | 9 | 50 % |
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