The Colorado Avalanche may have an interesting situation to deal with in the summer of 2028. That’s when Brock Nelson’s deal is up, potentially leaving a crucial hole in the club’s top six.
The summer of 2028 is also when Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews could hit the free-agent market.
So, assuming Matthews goes to market, and the Avs are looking for someone to replace Nelson, Colorado might just make one heck of a move.
Theoretically, the idea sounds good.
The Avalanche would certainly do well to land Matthews to play behind Nathan MacKinnon. Depending on circumstances, Matthews could even step up ahead of MacKinnon, should the situation warrant it. Plus, Colorado would be landing a former 60-goal scorer who could regain his scoring touch if fully healthy.
Of course, this entire conversation hinges on two things.
The first, and most evident one, is the Avalanche being prepared to move on from Nelson. The Avalanche’s second-line center will be 36 when his current deal expires. Now, it doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down anytime soon. And it’s also safe to say he’ll still be around, looking for another contract.
However, should Colorado, for whatever reason, feel that Nelson just doesn’t fit the team anymore, it may look at moving on from him.
The second factor lies in Matthews heading to free agency. The Maple Leafs will do everything they can to lock him up. And if the team isn’t confident they can do it, it would consider trading Matthews before allowing him to walk for nothing.
Then again, the Maple Leafs might be willing to work something out with Colorado similar to what they did with the Vegas Golden Knights and Mitch Marner.
Matthews would be calculated risk for Avalanche
On the whole, Auston Matthews would be a calculated risk for the Colorado Avalanche. As it stands, Matthews is coming off an injury-filled season that saw him put up his worst statistical season. His year was ultimately cut short by a knee injury, one that required offseason surgery.
But if he can regain some semblance of his former 60-goal self, the Avalanche could have a fantastic second-line center.
That situation, of course, could go south quickly if Matthews’ contract demands exceed what the Avs are willing to pay. Matthews currently has a $13.25 million cap hit. If he’s willing to take a haircut to sign with a contender like Colorado, so be it.
However, if Matthews is set on cashing in one more time, he may be out of the Avalanche’s price range.
That’s why, at the end of the day, the Avs may be better off keeping Nelson for a couple of more seasons, unless the gold-medal winner proves it’s time to move on.
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