In this series, we take a look at each team and see what they’ve done over the offseason. Next up is the Colorado Avalanche.
Key additions: Brent Burns, Gavin Brindley, Alex Barre-Boulet
The Avalanche added more experience on their premier backend with the addition of Brent Burns. They also added some needed youth to the lineup with the promising forward Gavin Brindley in the Coyle-Wood trade.
Key subtractions: Jonathan Drouin, Charlie Coyle, Miles Wood, Ryan Lindgren, Erik Johnson, Joel Kiviranta
Colorado have not lost any core pieces, but they have lost a lot of depth. They are hoping a full season of Gabe Landeskog, who will play in his first full season since 21-22, and the newly extended Brock Nelson can help make up for those losses.
Highest draft pick: Francesco Dell’elce, 77th overall
Salary cap space: $4.1 million
Staff: The Avs have made some changes to the assistant coaching staff, with the addition of former Seattle Kraken coach Dave Hakstol. Head coach Jared Bednar is the second longest tenured coach in the NHL after Tampa’s Jon Cooper. He has been with the team since the 16-17 season, having won a Stanley Cup with the club in 2022.
Other: The long term future of newly acquired Martin Necas, the main returning piece in the Mikko Rantanen trade, is in doubt. There are question marks over whether he will commit to the club via Elliotte Friedman. That is something the Avs will have to address sooner rather than later.
All transactions available via puck pedia
