NHL Free Agency: Colorado Avalanche Targets After Draft

NHL free agency target #2: D Christian Ehrhoff

Jan 13, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (10) handles the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2014-15 cap hit: $4,000,000

Where he is right now: After five years with the San José Sharks, who drafted him 106th overall in 2001, Christian Ehrhoff left California and has since played for the Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins. He missed about half of the 2014-15 season due to a concussion, but will be back for the 2015-16 campaign.

Why the Colorado Avalanche should sign him: Ehrhoff addresses a different need than the three prior targets, but it is at least as important to fill. He has consistently been one of the top offensive defensemen in the league for many years and even though he declined after leaving the Canucks, he could still be an extremely good addition to the Avalanche’s top-D-pairing. Erik Johnson is in need of a partner and Ehrhoff would be a really solid addition.

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