Unexpected Avalanche forward emerges as potential offseason bargain for cap-strapped teams this offseason
Photo credit: Colorado Hockey Now
With the NHL salary cap increasing by a record $7.5 million, teams likely won't prioritize bargain deals as heavily this offseason.
Instead of being cautious with spending, many clubs are expected to take a more aggressive and free-spending approach.
Avalanche forward emerges as potential offseason bargain.
Matt Larkin from Daily Faceoff writes that even with the cap rising from $88 million to $95.5 million, teams that spend wisely and make savvy additions could set themselves up for major improvements next season. Some contenders, however, still face financial constraints and will have to get inventive to stay competitive with the more free-spending clubs.
"Drouin may feel like too much of a name brand for an all-value list. But 'value' doesn't mean each player mentioned will sign a league-minimum deal; it simply means he could turn you a profit relative to his perceived worth." -Larkin
Drouin's 37 points may have flown under the radar due to an injury-shortened season that limited him to just 43 games, but his playmaking remained elite.
Among 378 forwards with at least 500 minutes at 5-on-5, he ranked in the 90th percentile for primary assist rate, quietly cementing his status as one of the league's more effective playmakers.
"He may be perceived as someone who can only play his best hockey alongside his major junior and Colorado teammate Nathan MacKinnon, but that's what could create the potential discount." -Larkin
Who doesn't look better alongside Nathan MacKinnon? Still, with Colorado facing a crap crunch, Drouin could end up as the off man out. If that happens, he's the kind of low-cost, high-upside addition who could instantly boost another contender's top six and power play unit.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 17 | 26 ANSWERS Unexpected Avalanche forward emerges as potential offseason bargain for cap-strapped teams this offseason Do you want the Avalanche to re-sign Jonathan Drouin this offseason? | ||
| yes | 20 | 76.9 % |
| no | 6 | 23.1 % |
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