The Colorado Avalanche might not be one of the most active teams in NHL free agency on July 1.
The free-agent frenzy will likely lead to some major deals across the league. But for Colorado, the free agency madness may not yield very many moves.
Colorado has about $5.6 million in cap space, with a couple of depth lineup spots to round out. That situation does not preclude the Avalanche from going out there and signing a couple of free agents.
But these signings are unlikely to bust the free-agent market open.
At the moment, the two biggest UFAs on the Avalanche’s docket are Joel Kiviranta and Nick Blankenburg.
It’s worth pointing out that neither one is an urgent matter. Kiviranta would be a solid piece to get back. He signed a one-year deal last season worth $1.25 million. Unless the 30-year-old can find a better contract elsewhere, there’s a good chance he’ll be back next season.
If the Avalanche can’t re-sign “Kivi,” there are other depth forwards who could step in and take over.
Meanwhile, there’s the matter of Blankenburg. The 28-year-old was a trade deadline acquisition. He’s coming off a $775K cap hit. If the Avalanche wanted to keep him, it wouldn’t cost much more than that to do so.
If Colorado can’t hold onto Blankenburg, there is no question that the team will be looking for a suitable bottom-pairing/seventh defenseman option on the free-agent market.
Based on this situation, the free-agent frenzy that characterizes July 1 shouldn’t be quite so crazy for the Colorado Avalanche. Fans should, nonetheless, keep an eye out for what could happen.
There will be plenty of news around the league, and moves that should certainly impact the Avalanche. That’s why there will be plenty to talk about in the weeks to come.
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