The Colorado Avalanche could be keeping an eye out on an unfolding situation in Chicago. Earlier this week, the Blackhawks signed veteran blueliner Matt Grzelcyk to a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO).
The 31-year-old spent the whole summer waiting for a full-time NHL contract. However, none materialized. According to Pierre LeBruin in The Athletic, Grzelcyk refused a one-year, $1 million offer from a Western Conference team.
But he didn’t mention which team. That’s an interesting thought. But we’ll get back to that in just a second.
Over the summer, the market evaporated on Grzelcyk, leaving him out to dry. Ultimately, the Blackhawks offered him a shot at a full-time NHL role via a PTO. There’s a good chance he makes the team, though he’s unlikely to get more than a one-year deal.
But then again, there’s always the chance that the Blackhawks cut the veteran rearguard. So, as LeBrun pointed out, the Avalanche will be one of the teams keeping an eye on Grzelcyk.
Could the Avalanche have been the team that offered the vet a one-year deal this summer? It’s possible, considering the contract the team extended to Brent Burns. Now, this is entirely conjecture on my end. But it’s interesting that LeBrun named the Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, and Avalanche as the teams interested in signing the former Bruins and Penguins defenseman.
If he washes out in Chicago, Grzelcyk could be an interesting pickup for the Avalanche. Perhaps getting him on board with a two-way deal could offer the best opportunity for both the player and team.
Avalanche have nothing to lose by adding Grzelcyk
The Colorado Avalanche have nothing to lose by adding the former third-round pick from 2012. He’s actually coming off a career-high 40-point season. Sure, he scored just one goal, but the 39 assists were encouraging, especially with a struggling Penguins club.
So, the Avalanche could carve out a role for Grzelcyk. He’s a left-shot D who could play some tough minutes. Considering that injuries always play a factor throughout the season, Grzelcyk could be a fantastic seventh defenseman. Perhaps he can push himself into the third pairing.
As it stands, the Avalanche could be rolling with Sam Malinski and Josh Manson on the second pair, with Keaton Middleton and Brent Burns in the bottom pair. I like having Middleton in the lineup. He adds punch that the Avs don’t always have in the lineup.
But then again, going with Middleton as a regular, even if it’s just while Sam Girard is out with injury, is not really encouraging.
In my estimation, that’s where Gzelcyk could be a potential fit. I don’t wish anyone any ill luck. But perhaps if Grzelcyk doesn’t fit in Chicago, and given their young blue line core, that could be the case, Colorado could capitalize on the situation.
Please bear in mind that this season is all about depth. Every contender is scrambling for it. The Avalanche would do well to get its ducks in a row now, before prices skyrocket.