Latest report confirms Avalanche are closing in on signing the top free agent to a blockbuster deal
Photo credit: Winnipeg Sun
A report on Tuesday indicated that Nikolaj Ehlers is not expected to make a decision on July 1.
Ehlers remains the top free agent who has yet to sign a new NHL contract.
Avalanche eyeing Ehlers in a blockbuster signing.
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that the 29-year-old forward became the most sought-after free agent on the market after contract extensions were signed by Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad with their respective team, the Florida Panthers. Not to mention the blockbuster sign-and-trade that saw Mitch Marner dealt from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights.
"Prior to announcing his retirement, TSN Insider Bob McKenzie provided an update on Ehlers. He said several teams are speaking with the longtime Winnipeg Jets goalscorer. Among those teams? The Colorado Avalanche." -Deen
The Avalanche have remained quiet on the UFA front during the opening day of free agency, and that might not be a coincidence. With limited cap space, it's possible that GM Chris MacFarland is putting his focus on landing Ehlers. If that pursuit falls through, pivoting to trade options could be the team's next move.
"It would be a huge moment if the Avalanche pull it off. Colorado hasn't signed a UFA from another team for more than a $4 million AAV since 2018. And Ehlers might be their biggest ever." -Deen
Bringing in a player like Ehlers could have major ripple effects, and would almost certainly shift attention to Martin Necas, who's just a year away from hitting unrestricted free agency.
How it all plays out remains to be seen in the days ahead.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 40 ANSWERS Latest report confirms Avalanche are closing in on signing the top free agent to a blockbuster deal Will the Avalanche sign Nikolaj Ehlers at some point this offseason? | ||
| yes | 24 | 60 % |
| no | 16 | 40 % |
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