Insider reveals that Nelson's big contract means trouble for these two Avalanche players
Photo credit: Harry How / The Denver Post
The Colorado Avalanche have just over $1 million in projected cap space remaining after re-signing pending UFA center Bock Nelson this week, a tight financial situation that likely means come contracts will need to be moved.
According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, GM Chris MacFarland has "penalty boxed himself into a corner" by committing to a $7.5 million AAV to retain Nelson for the next three seasons.
Nelson's big contract means trouble for these two Avalanche players.
Dave Litman from NHL Trade Rumors writes that Renck notes that two roster moves now appear "likely" as the Avalanche look to create much-needed cap flexibly.
As a result, it appears clear that Ross Colton and Miles Wood may have played their last game as an Avalanche.
"Colton has another two years to run on his four-year deal with a $4 million cap hit. After a sizzling start to the season with eight goals in October, the 28-year-old saw his production and ice time diminish significantly in the second half, managing just three goals over the last three months, while his TOI dipped from 16 minutes in the first half of the season, to just about 12 minutes average on ice in the second half." -Litman
Colton's full no-trade clause will shift to a modified version starting July 1st.
Litman also writes that Miles Wood appears to be a prime candidate for a buyout, especially considering the Avalanche's current cap contraints.
"Wood had a tough year in Denver, missing two months with an upper-body injury, and then being healthy scratched on several occasions after he returned. He averaged a career-low of 11:21 of ice time, and posted career-worst numbers of four goals and eight points in 37 games. He still has a whopping four years to run on his $2.5 million AAV. Given that term, it would be tough to find a trade partner." -Litman
A buyout would cut Wood's cap hit to $708,000 for the 2025-26 season, followed by $1.208 million annually for the next three seasons, and then back down to $708,000 for each of the final four years of the buyout term.
Ultimately, despite the Avalanche's tight cap situation, Renck argues that re-signing Nelson was a necessary move to keep the team competitive heading into the new season. As for what comes next, whether trades, buyouts, or roster shakeups, it's still very much up in the air.
Source:
NHL Trade Rumors
NHL Rumors: 2 Avalanche Players Likely to be Forced Out After Brock Nelson Signing
NHL Trade Rumors
NHL Rumors: 2 Avalanche Players Likely to be Forced Out After Brock Nelson Signing
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 51 ANSWERS Insider reveals that Nelson's big contract means trouble for these two Avalanche players Which player has likely played their last game with the Colorado Avalanche? | ||
| Ross Colton | 21 | 41.2 % |
| Miles Wood | 30 | 58.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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