A quick look at some unrestricted free agent forwards
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Colorado pursuing several free agent options is very possible this summer. They include:
Artemi Panarin — He presents as the big fish. Artemi Panarin is the player that could command $10+ million AAV. That likely is too much money for Colorado to stomach. Panarin is the best forward 2019 NHL free agency has to offer.
Matt Duchene — Colorado passes on Duchene and does not make an offer because oh, he wanted out of Colorado in the first place.
Jeff Skinner — Skinner intrigues many because of his even-strength goal-scoring prowess. Do you pay him close to $9 million AAV for seven years, however?
Joe Pavelski — Pavelski re-signing in San Jose seems likely. At 35, why would Colorado pursue a forward coming off a head injury?
Kevin Hayes — Allegedly, the Philadelphia Flyers offered Hayes a deal with an AAV of $6.5 million. Colorado inquires only if the Flyers cannot get Hayes signed.
Anders Lee — Lee entertains Colorado only if the New York Islanders cannot re-sign him. Again, New York likely retains him.
Jeff Skinner and the Avalanche a great fit…
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Alas, if Buffalo cannot sign Jeff Skinner for whatever reason, the Colorado Avalanche pouncing in would not surprise anyone. Colorado’s cap situation remains good and they have the money to aggressively pursue free agents.
Skinner commands an $8+ million AAV at a bare minimum. He scored 40 goals and even has 30+ during several other campaigns. For that alone and the selling points of playing with Nathan MacKinnon becomes significant. Colorado could overpay a bit and still net Skinner if the forward decides to test free agency.
Though Jeff Skinner playing in the Western Conference would cause him some headaches, those are honestly minor. He’d adapt like any other player would and the winger wants to win. Finally, the winger shows the ability to play left wing as well as right wing. That may prove to be important down the road.