Latest report reveals list of free agents that the Avalanche are reportedly eyeing come July 1
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After years of unsuccessful trials and lingering disappointment, it appears the Colorado Avalanche may have at last found their solution at second-line center in Brock Nelson.
With the Avalanche's goaltending issues seemingly resolved and one of the league's strongest defensive groups in place, there's just one area left that could use reinforcements: the right wing position in the bottom six.
Avalanche are eyeing a number of affordable free agents this summer.
Andrew Smiglowski from Mile High Sticking writes that the challenge, however, is that the Avalanche are projected to have only $1.2 million in cap space entering the offseason, meaning they'll likely need to move out a contract or two before making any new additions.
Victor Olofsson would serve as a complementary third-line winger with the flexibility to move up the lineup if necessary. If he can recapture his previous offensive form, there could also be a spot for him on the second power-play unit.
"It's difficult to argue that a nearly-30-year-old hasn't yet found his full potential, but he's a player who could truly establish himself as a star in the right circumstances - ones like he would find in Colorado." -Smiglowski
Another gritty forward that the Avalanche could target is Brock McGinn.
"McGinn is a hard-nosed and scrappy winger with upward offensive mobility. When healthy (more on that later), he's a reliable, steady presence whose grit and tenacity make him a menace to play against. He's a shut-down penalty killer who excels at breaking pucks out of his own end and agitates opposing players night in and night out." -Smiglowski
Considering his modest goal production and the niches strengths he brings to the ice, McGinn is expected to command an AAV of around $1-1.2 million on his next deal, making him a financially sensible option for the cap-strapped Avalanche.
Lastly, Joel Armia is another depth forward that the Avalanche should consider signing this offseason.
"Armia is known for his defense prowess and his reliability on both sides of the ice. He has also been one of the Canadiens' best penalty killers, and his overall dedication to the sport of hockey - and his willingness to play an unglamorous, scrappy style of hockey - was recognized in 2024 when he was Montréal's team candidate for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy." -Smiglowski
A pay cut is likely in store for Armia, but with the right team, a three year deal seems reasonable. He could earn around $2 million AAV, which is roughly $1.5 million less per year than his salary over the past four seasons in Montreal.
Armia and O'Connor would likely solidify the right side of the Avalanche's bottom-six, with both possessing the versatility and skillset to slot in on either the third or fourth line as needed.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 24 | 28 ANSWERS Latest report reveals list of free agents that the Avalanche are reportedly eyeing come July 1 Which free agent should the Avalanche target in free agency? | ||
| Victor Olofsson | 17 | 60.7 % |
| Brock McGinn | 4 | 14.3 % |
| Joel Armia | 7 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||
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