Keys to the Colorado Avalanche’s offseason
Emily Kaplan and Chris Peters of ESPN: Looking at the keys to the Colorado Avalanche’s offseason.
An extension for Mikko Rantanen – The Avs biggest priority this offseason is to get winger Mikko Rantanen signed to a long-term contract extension. Rantanen should make a lot more than the cap friendly deals for Nathan MacKinnon ($6.3 million through 2022-23) and Gabriel Landeskog ($5.5 million through 2020-21). They have the salary cap space for any new deal.
Goaltending beyond Grubauer – Grubauer should be their starter next season. His $3.3 million deal runs through 2020-21. Semyon Varlamov is a pending UFA. They could see if Varlamov wants to come back at a reduced price on a short-term deal. If not, they need to find another option.
Keep incorporating the youngsters – Samuel Girard and Cale Makar will get more minutes next season. Whoever they pick at No. 4 in the draft could also challenge for a lineup spot.
Canucks may have too many forwards under contract
Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet: The Vancouver Canucks plan to be aggressive in free agency this offseson. One issue they have though is that they have 11 forwards under contract, to go along with five RFAs who are expected to get qualifying offers.
Tim Schaller has no trade value.
Ryan Spooner has no trade value and could be bought out.
Nikolay Goldobin would have likely been traded by now if they could have moved him. Same could be said for Markus Granlund.
Loui Eriksson‘s contract is basically buyout proof. If the Canucks retain salary he might interest someone. He could be destined for the minors.
Someone might have interest Tyler Motte, but the coaches like his style of play.
Brandon Sutter – If they retain salary someone would be interested in his “experience, character and defensive specialties.” The Canucks would be moving him while his value is low though. He has two-year left a $4.375 million salary cap hit. His full no-trade clause becomes a 15-team no-trade list on July 1st.