NHL RumorsNHL RumorsNHL Rumors
  • Rumors
  • NHL Trades
    • 2024-25 NHL Trade Tracker
    • Trade Articles
    • 2023-24 NHL Trade Tracker
  • Video
  • Teams
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Dallas Stars
      • Minnesota Wild
      • Nashville Predators
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Utah Hockey Club
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Contact
  • FAQ
Font ResizerAa
NHL RumorsNHL Rumors
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
NHL Free AgentsNHL Rumors

NHL Rumors: Colorado Avalanche Still Face Big Roster Decisions

Chris Wassel 06/08/2025
3 Min Read
The Brock Nelson era in Colorado continues but creates even more questions than before. Colorado feels the pressure more than ever.
Apr 19, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) skates up ice with against the Dallas Stars during the first period in game one of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
SHARE

Colorado Avalanche All On Notice

Troy Renck of the Denver Post: Yes, the Colorado Avalanche are taking a huge risk by running it back. Brock Nelson returning puts management and coaching on notice. Playoff success is expected and yet never guaranteed. The problem is Colorado knew they could not afford Sam Bennett. Nelson was there and was a better option than anyone on the roster. Also, it was better than making a desperate, feeble move at the trade deadline again.

The problem is now there are even bigger decisions to be made. Yes, Colorado faces more uncertainty here. With limited assets, Chris MacFarland boxed himself into a tiny corner. Colorado feels like the team on the other side of the championship spectrum. This is where it begins to unravel some. Can they get back to that level? This is the question fans and especially media keep asking.

Now, Colorado likes to think there is still a chance. Simply, the Avalanche need to do one thing here. Prove the naysayers wrong and do not blow a two-goal lead in Game 7 again.

NHL Rumors: Top 20 NHL Trade Targets

Limited Cap Space Means More Moves

Kyle Morton of the Daily Faceoff: Yes, this is only the beginning. Colorado carries 19 signed players (12 F, 5 D, 2 G) with only $1.2 million of cap space with the Brock Nelson signing. When math gets made not so easy, Colorado must make moves. One will likely be Samuel Girard. Girard’s cap hit is a likely casualty. Where does he go and who agrees to make that deal? It would seem Colorado might have to sweeten the pot a little.

Options get limited for Charlie Coyle. Coyle plays well for a middle-six center but any idea of him being a long-term 2C anywhere is remote. Coyle carries a $5.25 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season ($250,000 higher than Girard). The Avalanche cannot dive into free agency like other teams. Colorado must ship out at least one or more parts. Even Ross Colton and Miles Wood are very much expendable at this point. Buyouts may even be on the horizon.

Finally, Martin Necas looms large here. What is really happening? Is he willing to stay or is he unhappy? Playing with Nathan MacKinnon cannot hurt. However, Necas has to prove it as much as management and other players too. Colorado has tons of pressure to perform. There is no going back.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s new, and we’re just getting started. Rumor roundups and hot topics from around the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Brock NelsonColorado AvalancheMiles WoodNHL Free AgentsNHL RumorsRoss ColtonTrades

Offer Sheet Compensation

<$1.54M no comp
$1.54M – $2.34M: 3rd
$2.34M – $4.68M: 2nd
$4.68M – $7.02M: 1st, 3rd
$7.02M – $9.36M: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
$9.36M – $11.7M: 1st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
$11.7M+: 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st,

2024-25 Critical Dates

June 1-7: NHL Scouting Combine (Buffalo, NY)
June 20th: Last possible day for the Stanley Cup Final
June 27th-28th: 2025 NHL Draft
July 1st: Start of free agency

NHL Rumors to your inbox.

NHLrumors Logo

Categories

  • Rumors

Information

  • Advertise
  • FAQ
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking NHL News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.