Recent report reveals Avalanche's bold free agency targets ahead of July 1 frenzy
Photo credit: AP Photo / Nick Wass
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 roster seemingly set for next season, there's just one area left that could use reinforcements: the right wing position in the bottom six.
Report reveals Avalanche's bold free agency targets.
Andrew Smiglowski from Mile High Sticking writes that Andrew Mangiapane could be a solid fit in Colorado, likely slotting in as a third-line right wing.
Mangiapane would have the chance to move up in the lineup if injuries occur or if the top six needs a shake-up due to chemistry issues. If the Avalanche roll out Valeri Nichushkin, Mangiapane, and Logan O'Connor as their bottom three right wings, they'd boast impressive depth, three forwards known for their speed, aggressive net drives, and ability to capitalize on chances in tight.
"It's safe to say the Calgary Flames (and, via trade, the Washington Capitals) overpaid for Mangiapane in the wake of his offensive outburst in 2021-22. Consequently, the 29-year-old Mangiapane will have to accept a salary cut for his next contract: likely something in the range of $3.5mil AAV for two or three seasons. To accommodate this, Colorado would have to move on from Miles Wood and possibly an additional name like the analytical darling Jack Drury." -Smiglowski
A name that should ring a bell for Avalanche fans, Nicolas Aubé-Kubel played the majority of the 2021-22 season in Colorado after being claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers.
"Aubé-Kubel, perhaps more than anyone else on this list, is firmly a fourth-line player; there won't be many opportunities for him anywhere else in the lineup, apart from some looks on the penalty kill. It is safe to imagine that he just wants to prove to a team that he can hold a roster spot and reward a them for taking a chance on him. He was much-beloved during his time in Denver, and a fourth-line spot would comfortably place O'Connor on the third line, which looks great on paper." -Smiglowski
Hailing from Slave Lake, Alberta, Aubé-Kubel is expected to prioritize term over dollar amount in his next contract, something the Avalanche are well-positioned to offer.
Since the 2019-20 season, he's been making his way around the Eastern Conference, with his brief stint in Colorado being the lone exception. A two-year deal at $1 million per season for a return to the Avs would be a smart, mutually beneficial move for both sides.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Five free agent right wingers the Colorado Avalanche can realistically afford - and what they would cost
Mile High Sticking
Five free agent right wingers the Colorado Avalanche can realistically afford - and what they would cost
| POLL | ||
JUIN 26 | 27 ANSWERS Recent report reveals Avalanche's bold free agency targets ahead of July 1 frenzy Which free agent should the Avalanche target in free agency? | ||
| Andrew Mangiapane | 23 | 85.2 % |
| Nicolas Aubé-Kubel | 4 | 14.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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