The Colorado Avalanche will be looking to fill out next year’s roster with low-cost contracts. PuckPedia currently projects the Avalanche have about $3 million in cap space for next season.
That situation, however, makes things a bit complicated. The Avs have one UFA forward in Joel Kiviranta, and two RFA forwards in Jack Drury and Zakhar Bardakov.
Meanwhile, PuckPedia shows four UFA blueliners: Brent Burns, Brett Kulak, Jack Ahcan, and Nick Blankenburg. The Avs will do their best to prioritize the blueline. If Burns returns, the organization will welcome him back.
The main challenge will be trying to keep Kulak. He made $2.75 million last season and could be looking for a raise. If that’s the case, keeping him could be challenging.
That’s why various rumors have emerged regarding cap casualties for the Avalanche this offseason. The most notable names have been Ross Colton and Jack Drury. If they do leave, the Avalanche will be looking for a fourth-line center to replace Drury. Enter still Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn.
Benn signed a one-year, $1 million contract last summer to remain in Dallas. He scored 15 goals in 60 games playing in a predominant bottom-six role.
The Stars, once again, will be struggling with cap space next season. And so, Benn could be a casualty.
But wouldn’t he be an interesting piece for the Avalanche? He could fill in for Drury as he seeks to finally win a Stanley Cup. Beyond Vegas and Carolina, the next-best option is Colorado.
The Avalanche could certainly use a depth player like Benn. If he’s willing to sign a $1 million deal, he could become a viable alternative for Colorado.
How so?
Drury is coming off a two-year deal with a $1.725 million cap hit. While the Avalanche would definitely like to have him back, Drury will be looking for a raise. That’s something that the team might not be able to afford.
Benn, for his part, could come in from half of Drury’s cap hit next season. Plus, trading Drury could land the Avalanche valuable assets, be that draft picks or prospects.
Then again, some might feel that adding Benn would be redundant. The Avs have TJ Hughes and Gavin Brindley in the AHL at the moment. Hughes could play center and Brindley on the wing, essentially taking over for Colton and Drury.
Depending on how much it takes to re-sign Kulak and Burns, the Avalanche may be able to add a veteran presence like Benn.
Ultimately, it all depends on how the blueline situation plays out. Much of that will hinge on trying to keep Kulak. We shall see.
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