5 "Under the Radar" Free Agents the Colorado Avalanche Could Target

Colorado Avalanche: 5 “Under the Radar” Free Agents They Could Target

By Ross Kleppe | May 24, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 24: General manager Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche listens to president of hockey operations Trevor Linden of the Vancouver Canucks on the draft floor during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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RW – Jannik Hansen

A key part of Colorado’s success last season, aside from the top line, was the Matt Nieto – Carl Soderberg – Blake Comeau line. They did a great job shutting down opposing teams’ top lines, all 3 did good work on the PK, and even chipped in with a few points. Both Comeau and Nieto are up, so both may not be resigned.

Jannik Hansen is someone who can take Comeau’s place on that line. Nieto has the speed Jared Bednar wants in his team, so does Hansen. Hansen is a speedy veteran that kills penalties and comes with lots of playoff experience between the Sharks and Canucks (the early 2010’s Canucks).

To his credit, Comeau has better offensive statistics than Hansen. However, it’s important to remember the main focus of that line is to play solid defensively and kill penalties. Hansen is a guy who does both well in addition to his speed.

If Comeau is given a new contract, I think he’s earned it. If Sakic and Co. decide to let him walk, Hansen might be a cheaper replacement.

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