The Colorado Avalanche had an eventful NHL trade deadline. In addition to bringing back fan favorite Nazem Kadri, the Avs added two more blueliners in Brett Kulak and Nick Blankenburg.
But here’s the thing: Both Kulak and Blankenburg will become UFAs at the end of the season. While that doesn’t mean the Avs won’t re-sign them, it does mean that the club could be looking at options down the line.
One of those options could be another impending UFA blueliner. According to insider David Pagnotta, the Avalanche could be looking to bring in current San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro.
Ferraro’s name has been out there for a while now. Teams looking to land Justin Faulk, Rasmus Andersson, and even Rasmus Ristolainen were also said to be kicking the tires on Ferraro. He’s a left-shot who can actually play both sides. He’s a solid defensive defenseman that adds some offensive upside. In 63 games this season, he’s got four goals and 15 points. That’s not bad, especially since he doesn’t get any power play time.
Ferraro’s best feature is that he kills penalties. And that’s something the Avalanche will certainly need help with.
The former second-round pick from the 2017 NHL Draft is in the final year of a four-year deal with a $3.25 million cap hit. Ferraro will be looking for a raise. Perhaps he’ll be looking for a multi-year deal in the $5 million AAV.
That’s not a bad cap hit. And even if the Avalanche re-signs Kulak and Blankenburg, another roster spot on the blue line may open up.
Avalanche will need replacement if Burns retires
A possibility looming on the horizon is a potential retirement by Brent Burns. At 41, the grizzled veteran signed with the Avalanche in hopes of capturing a Stanley Cup. He picked the right year to join the Avs, as the club looks like the favorites to go all the way in 2026.
That said, Burns might be looking to hang up his skates at the end of the season. If that’s the case, there will be a roster spot opening up next season.
That’s where Ferraro could come into the picture. The 27-year-old could fill in for Burns next season. Now, Ferraro doesn’t have Burns’ shot. But he could be a solid fill-in for the former Norris Trophy winner.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Avalanche can’t really splurge on anybody until Cale Makar’s next contract gets sorted. That’s why a relatively cost-effective option like Ferraro makes sense.
As Pagnotta noted, the only question mark would be if Ferraro hits the open market. That’s assuming he doesn’t re-sign in San Jose. With the Sharks not having many defensemen under contract for next season, the likelihood of him re-signing is high.
Still, if he does hit the market, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear the Avalanche giving him a ring.