The Colorado Avalanche took care of business on Day 1 of NHL free agency by making several depth signings. While Avalanche fans may have anticipated earth-shattering news when the free-agent market opened, the players signing are no less important to the team’s overall makeup.
So, here’s a breakdown of the signings on Day 1 of NHL free agency as the Avalanche look to bolster their lineup for another run at the Stanley Cup in 2025-26.
Assessing Colorado Avalanche signings on Day 1 of NHL Free Agency
Parker Kelly
Parker Kelly signed a four-year deal worth $6.8 million. This deal was necessary after the club shipped out depth forward Miles Wood in a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Kelly is a bottom-six grinder who brings tenacity and toughness to the lineup. That’s something the Avalanche will need heading into next season. I like the AAV and the overall upside on this deal. If Kelly can score around 20 points next season, the deal will look even better.
TJ Tynan
TJ Tynan is another depth signing. The Avalanche brought him back on a one-year $775K deal. He’ll likely play the bulk of his time with the Colorado Eagles. Still, Tynan has been with the big club at times.
It’s worth pointing out that the Avalanche need all the depth it can get. Tynan’s the type of player who can play in the NHL, even if it’s predominantly on the fourth line.
Jack Ahcan
Jack Ahcan is another player who’ll most likely spend the bulk of his time in the AHL. But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t be up with the big club at some point. If injuries become an issue, and they will at some point, Ahcan could see some playing time.
So, signing him to a one-year, $775K deal is a perfect fit. This is another low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Avalanche this season.
Trent Miner
The Colorado Avalanche technically signed Trent Miner on June 30. Getting Miner back in the fold was important for two reasons. One, Miner will be the main guy with the Colorado Eagles. Second, the Avalanche need goaltending depth. Miner filled in at times as MacKenzie Blackwood’s backup this past season. So, addressing goaltending depth is never a bad idea.
I will say that the Avs are likely going to add another goalie on a cheap contract. Perhaps Alexandar Georgiev would be willing to come back on a PTO to serve as goaltending insurance?
Ronald Attard
Ronald Attard is an interesting signing. The 26-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers organization, playing a total of 19 NHL games in three seasons. Attard is likely headed to the Eagles.
However, keep an eye on Attard. He could get an invite to camp this fall. He could be in the mix for a job as the seventh or eighth defenseman on the team. The Avs currently have six blue liners inked for next season, with Erik Johnson still a UFA. If Johnson wants to play another season, the Avs will certainly be interested in inking him.
As it stands, the Avs still have over $7 million in cap space. Joel Kiviranta and Jimmy Vesey are still UFAs. So, keep an eye on those players as they could be signing within the next few days.