Latest report confirms that the Avalanche are eyeing these 3 stars in potential offseason shakeup
Photo credit: Photo by Ashley Potts / NHLI
The Colorado Avalanche have committed significant resources to their elite players, which has led to a salary cap squeeze and created some hurdles for the upcoming offseason.
Compounding the issue of a lack of draft and prospect assets, a situation made worse by the inclusion of Callum Ritchie in the trade that brought Brock Nelson to Colorado.
Avalanche are eyeing these 3 stars in potential offseason shakeup.
Ryan Womeldorf from The Hockey Writers reports that the Avalanche need to shore up their defensive play and improve in the faceoff department. While a full season of Charlie Coyle could address some of those issues, his $5.25 million cap hit with one year remaining makes him a potential trade candidate.
Regardless of Coyle's future, Colorado may be in the market for a versatile forward to strengthen the lower part of their lineup.
"Don't sleep on Jean-Gabriel Pageau as a potential option. He's excellent in the faceoff circle and a strong penalty killer, which should help with some of the team defense issues that ultimately got the Avalanche bounced in the first round." -Womeldorf
Pageau has reliably produced around 40 points per season, though he's done so on a rather uninspiring Islanders team. A full season alongside talents like Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin could give his numbers a boost. Given New York's rebuilding status, a trade package including a mid-tier and a lower-end prospect might be enough to acquire the 2026 free agent.
"Eeli Tolvanen's name hasn't been shopped, but he's entering the final year of his contract at a very manageable $3.475 million cap hit. The Avalanche don't have the draft picks/prospects to take a major swing, so Tolvanen could be an excellent boost to the bottom six with enough versatility to play higher up in the lineup. It isn't the big swing that some hope for, but not every move can be." -Womeldorf
Early in the 2024-25 campaign, the Avalanche made it clear they were lacking in depth scoring. With Jonathan Drouin likely headed elsewhere, Tolvanen could be a strong replacement thanks to his sharp shot, high hockey IQ, and elusive playstyle. A mid-round draft pick along with an interesting prospect like Zakhar Bardakov might be enough to bring Tolvanen to Colorado.
"The situation between Nicholas Robertson and the Maple Leafs bears watching as well. The 23-year-old winger expressed a desire to be traded, but nothing has come to fruition. Instead, he has been a regular healthy scratch, further adding to his frustration." -Womeldorf
With Nelson now under contract, the Avalanche must focus on adding secondary scoring and improving their defense. Bringing in a young player like Roberston and placing him within a skilled, well-rounded roster might provide the fresh start he needs.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 7 | 45 ANSWERS Latest report confirms that the Avalanche are eyeing these 3 stars in potential offseason shakeup Which forward would you want the Avalanche to trade for? | ||
| Jean-Gabriel Pageau | 11 | 24.4 % |
| Eeli Tolvanen | 18 | 40 % |
| Nicholas Robertson | 16 | 35.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
