Recent report reveals Avalanche's secret strategy to avoid a roster meltdown this offseason
Photo credit: AAron Ontiveroz / The Denver Post
The Colorado Avalanche are now facing a tight salary cap situation. They entered the offseason with roughly $8.7 million available cap space, but nearly disappeared following Brock Nelson's new three-year deal.
The most effective way for the Avs to free up cap space without dismantling their core roster might be to acquire existing LTIR contracts. There deals could give Colorado the financial flexibility they desperately need.
Avalanche's secret strategy to avoid a roster meltdown this offseason has been revealed.
Nestor Quixtan from Mile High Sticking writes that former Montreal Canadiens captain Shea Weber inked a massive 14-year contract back in 2012, before the current CBA capped deals at eight years. Originally signed by the Nashville Predators to secure their stop defenseman, Weber was eventually traded to Montreal in a blockbuster swap for Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban.
Fast-forward to today, and Weber hasn't played since 2021. His contract has bounced between several teams over the years, most recently ending up with the Chicago Blackhawks.
"The contract comes with a $7.86 million cap hit would could give the Avalanche enough ammo to sign a couple of players. While it still wouldn't be enough, it would be a good start. As for the price the Avs would have to pay for the final year of Weber's contract, it would likely be a combination of draft picks and/or prospects. Perhaps a mid-tier prospect and one or two of the multiple 2026 fourth or fifth-round picks the Avs hold might get the deal done." -Quixtan
San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture officially stated earlier this season that he won't be returning to the NHL. However, it's more of a retirement in practice than on paper. Due to the risk of a cap recapture penalty, the Sharks will instead place Couture on LTIR for the next two seasons rather than file formal retirement paperwork. Couture has a cap hit of $8 million.
"For the Colorado Avalanche, that $8 million could go a long way. Like, Shea Weber's contract, the cost would be a couple of mid-tier picks or prospects. But if the Avalanche were to somehow swing Weber and Couture's contracts in one fell swoop, it could free up as much as $15 million for the Avalanche without decimating the lineup." -Quixtan
Something big could be brewing ahead of or during the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
One way Colorado Avalanche can solve salary cap constraints without torching lineup
Mile High Sticking
One way Colorado Avalanche can solve salary cap constraints without torching lineup
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 44 ANSWERS Recent report reveals Avalanche's secret strategy to avoid a roster meltdown this offseason Do you think the Avalanche will make a big roster move before the NHL Draft? | ||
| yes | 34 | 77.3 % |
| no | 10 | 22.7 % |
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