Latest report has the Avalanche targeting these 3 free agents this offseason
Photo credit: MATIAS J. OCNER / MIAMI HERALD
The Colorado Avalanche could take a major step forward by landing any of these high-impact free agents this offseason.
Like all NHL teams, they'll be exploring ways to strengthen their roster and increase their chances of capturing the Stanley Cup in 2026.
The Avalanche targeting these 3 free agents this offseason.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Hockey Sticking writes that Claude Giroux is set to enter free agency this summer in search of his first Stanley Cup, and with retirement potentially on the horizon, he's expected to prioritize signing with a legitimate contender.
"I can see Giroux sliding into a middle-six role, especially if the club can't re-sign Brock Nelson. While Giroux likely doesn't play center, he could also cover for Jonathan Drouin if the Avalanche choose to pass on him this summer." -Quixtan
The main challenge will be the contract value. Giroux's previous three-year deal carried a $6.5 million average annual value, which he's unlikely to match now. However, a deal in the $4 to 5$ million AAV range could still be a valuable addition for the Avalanche.
If Colorado fail to re-sign Nelson or Drouin, they could free up enough cap space to pursue Brock Boeser.
"Like Giroux, Boeser is coming off a three-year deal with a $6.65 million cap hit. While Boeser will be looking to get a raise, it's somewhat uncertain he gets it. He's likely going to land somewhere in the $8 million AAV." -Quixtan
That salary range could be a smart move for the Avalanche, provided they're able to fill out the rest of their roster effectively.
Lastly, Sam Bennett has built a strong reputation as a clutch playoff performer. Even though his regular-season stats may be modest, he's consistently shown during three playoff runs that he rises to the occasion when it matter most.
"Bennett is 29 and is coming off a four-year contract with a $4.425 AAV. He'll be getting a substantial pay raise as some estimates place Bennett in the $10 million AAV." -Quixtan
That price tag might be too steep for the Avalanche given their tight salary cap situation. However, if they manage to create enough cap room and miss out on re-signing other pending free agents, signing Sam Bennett could become a realistic possibility.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 32 ANSWERS Latest report has the Avalanche targeting these 3 free agents this offseason Which free agent would you want the Avalanche to pursue this offseason? | ||
| Brock Nelson | 8 | 25 % |
| Claude Giroux | 1 | 3.1 % |
| Sam Bennett | 23 | 71.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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