The Colorado Avalanche might need to look to free agents this offseason, as they have a few of their own scheduled to be allowed to talk with other teams. One of the guys that they could look into is Teddy Blueger, a forward for the Vancouver Canucks.
While he’s not flash, Blueger would be able to fit a fourth-line role primarily meant to keep things clean in the defensive zone while potentially making trips down the ice and putting the puck on net. He’s not going to give you double-digit goals, but you’re not looking for that on a bottom line.
He’s a player who might play around 10 minutes a night for you. He can chip in on the penalty kill, which is always a bonus. While the Avalanche were among the best in that department, there’s no reason why they cannot look to improve it.
His takeaway-giveaway ratio of 107-75 is certainly an acceptable number in my opinion. During the 2023-24 season, he had 27 takeaways in 68 games. He also put up nearly 10 goals in each of the past two seasons. Those goal totals won’t win everyone over, but again, you’re not looking for a high-scoring fourth-line player. That just doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Blueger would fill a depth role and the fact that he can play center and wing is music to anyone’s ears. The Avalanche don’t need a player who chips in every couple of nights. They just need someone to help hold the fort in minimal minutes.
Another bonus about Blueger is that he won’t cost an arm and a leg. He could cost maybe $2 million maximum. The Avalanche have to manage some cap space as they prepare for Cale Makar’s extension, but $2 million would be nothing compared to Makar’s total. It would have very little effect.
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