News Avalanche Team Notes

Morning Flurries: Landeskog nominated for an ESPY

NHL: APR 26 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Stars at Avalanche

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Also, details of Brent Burns’ one-year contract revealed.

It's not often we get an interview with a newly signed player but Brent Burns shared some time with the media right after inking his one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

Also, the detail of Burns’ performance bonus-laden contract were revealed including a $3M bonus just for playing 10 games, which essentially makes his contract a $4M deal at minimum.


Brent Burns 1 year #GoAvsGo Deal:

Salary $1M
Potential Performance Bonuses $4M:
-$3M @ 10 GP
-$1M if plays 23+ minutes in 70 GP

Cap Hit $1M, AAV $5M

Rep'd by Ron Salcer

Correcting previous tweet https://t.co/47wM3IP7uX

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 5, 2025

Another feather in the cap for the captain as Gabe Landeskog and his return depicted in the documentary “A Clean Sheet” is recognition from the ESPY awards nominating him as best comeback athlete.


Gabe Landeskog is nominated for an ESPY!

Stream "A Clean Sheet: Gabe Landeskog" on max to watch the journey, then head to the #ESPYS to cast your vote for his unforgettable return: https://t.co/SetbFTQUz8 pic.twitter.com/aa8tAW8we8

— Fresh Tape Media (@freshtapemedia) July 3, 2025

One more contract was finalized over the holiday weekend and it’s for a player who will most likely have a greater impact on the Colorado Eagles. Alex Barre-Boulet inked a one-year two-way deal which will reportedly pay him the $775k league minimum at the NHL level but that’s not far off from the $525k he will earn in the AHL. As a small speedy scorer Barre-Boulet fits the mold of AHL star and indicated a replacement for Eagles leading scorer Matthew Phillips, who signed a deal with San Diego.


We’ve signed Alex Barré-Boulet to a one-year, two-way deal. pic.twitter.com/2ij5WXFfop

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) July 4, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...ning-flurries-landeskog-nominated-for-an-espy
 
Colorado Eagles have a new head coach

Columbus Blue Jackets Headshots

Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images

Mark Letestu arrives from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.

A major transaction occurred over the holiday weekend for the Colorado Eagles and that was a hire of their new head coach. To no one’s surprise, the Colorado Avalanche organization looked to their friends over at the Columbus Blue Jackets and nabbed their AHL assistant coach Mark Letestu for the promotion to bench boss in Loveland.


Ohio ✈️ Colorado

Welcome to #EaglesCountry Mark! pic.twitter.com/aiLFW4fPJI

— Colorado Eagles (@ColoradoEagles) July 5, 2025

Letestu was a center who enjoyed an 11-year NHL career in which he amassed 567 games played at the highest level with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets. Though he began his pro career in the Penguins organization, Letestu put down roots with Columbus and served as an assistant coach for the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters for the last four seasons.

Colorado Avalanche v Columbus Blue Jackets
Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images

The Colorado Eagles are no stranger to change as head coach Greg Cronin departed for the NHL two years ago. Now with Aaron Schneekloth in Seattle it is time for Letestu to leave his mark on the organization. The Eagles enjoyed their best regular season to date in the AHL but are still searching for the answer to more playoff success. The Monsters has similar results with Letestu as they went as far as to the third round of the playoffs in 2023-24.

Coincidentally, or not, Letestu would be familiar with new Avalanche prospect Gavin Brindley, who played for the Monsters last season. He was underutilized and only scored 17 points in 52 games so hopefully both come up with a plan to find a bit more success in Colorado.

Welcome to Eagles Country, Mark!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/7/8/24462650/colorado-eagles-have-a-new-head-coach-mark-letestu
 
Morning Flurries: Dave Hakstol appointed new assistant coach

Seattle Kraken v Colorado Avalanche - Game Seven

Photo by Christopher Mast/NHLI via Getty Images

Also, just how rich is the Kroenke empire?

It’s the time of the offseason to fill out organizational vacancies and the Colorado Avalanche completed a big piece of business in filling out their vacancy at assistant coach with the hiring of Dave Hakstol.


Details ⬇️ https://t.co/rurP7OCnOK

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) July 8, 2025

Hakstol has a long NHL resume, most recently as the head coach of the Seattle Kraken from 2021-2024 and in 2023 he was a Jack Adams award finalist for coach of the year when Seattle ousted the defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche in the first round. The 56-year-old was also the bench boss of the Philadelphia Flyers from 2015-2018. In between head coaching gigs Hakstol was an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2019-2021.

Clearly Hakstol brings a wealth of coaching experience, which might inspire some fresh ideas or a little urgency among the existing coaching staff. Haksol’s power play results haven’t been the brightest with him at the helm but Toronto’s top six finish in 2021 especially with their offensive firepower might be a source of inspiration.

There has been another change for the Avalanche as Skills Coach Toby Petersen was hired by the Texas Stars as the head coach of the Dallas Stars’ AHL affiliate. Petersen was part of the Avalanche organization for two seasons and helped the players with many tasks such as injury recovery as well as skill development. Good luck in Texas, Toby!


The @DallasStars have appointed Toby Petersen Head Coach of the Texas Stars. Travis Morin, Max Fortunus, Ryan Daniels, and Josh Johnson will return to the team and join Petersen's coaching staff.

Join us in welcoming Toby back to Cedar Park!

More: https://t.co/hODBUy0kik pic.twitter.com/vtgKuDJ619

— Texas Stars (@TexasStars) July 7, 2025

And finally, CNBC released a report on the most valuable sports enterprises and Kroenke Sports and Entertainment tops the list, valued at over $21 Billion.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...es-dave-hakstol-appointed-new-assistant-coach
 
Can the Eagles replicate their success from last season?

54547923215_7dbc3ac977_b.0.jpg

Ashley Potts/Colorado Eagles

The Colorado Eagles success hinges on what the Avalanche decide on their fourth line.

The Colorado Avalanche’s fourth line is currently quite uninspiring. The Avalanche have $4.12 million left in cap space and do not have a legitimate fourth line at the moment. This could be a major problem for their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, if they cannot fill those gaps. As in terms of the salary cap, every player on the fourth line could be less than one million cap hit, but the talent at the NHL level will not be there. This also leads to another question: can the Eagles replicate their success from last season?

The Avalanche have yet to fill the role of the fourth line for the 2025–25 season. This could lead to opportunities for two-way contract forwards to make a statement in the NHL. T.J. Tynan could have a chance for an extended call up with the Avalanche to start the season. He will start his 14th season as a pro and has 642 points in the AHL in 693 games. He appeared in nine games for the Avalanche last season, tallying only one assist. Nikita Prishchepov played 10 games for the Avalanche last season with no points. His rookie season fared much better with the Eagles as he racked up 23 points in 51 games. Ivan Ivan saw the most time of the three here with the Avalanche, playing 40 games. They sent him down to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his form, yet he only managed 12 points in 36 games thereafter.

That was nifty Nikita Prishchepov.@ColoradoEagles | #HSKvsCOL pic.twitter.com/p1apFQ1fXK

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) April 12, 2025

These three players would provide a mix of grit and speed to the fourth line along with a veteran presence from Tynan. Prishchepov is a heavy body that crashes the net and stays on the puck when he gets hit himself.

Could the Eagles replicate their success from last season? It depends on how long those three stay with the Avalanche. Tynan was fourth on the Eagles in overall points last season. His 41 assists became vital to the playmaking ability of the top line and the power play. Prishchepov provided that body on the ice that you always needed to look out for when you got the puck. He was going to hit you if you touched it. His Parker Kelly style of hockey became important later in the season for the boys in blue. Ivan was always a threat at the faceoff dot and could push the play forward, leading to play outside of his zone.

This is what happens when fans do the wave. Ivan Ivan scores his first of the playoffs with help from Bryan Yoon (second of the night). #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @HockeyMtnHighCO pic.twitter.com/059zg4YU6i

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) May 19, 2025

If you couple the absence of the three for the Eagles and new head coach Mark Letestu, it could be a rough start. There is always an adjustment period for any coach taking over a new team. He will bring more of an offensive mindset to the Eagles game as a former center where Aaron Schneekloth brought a defensive mindset as a former defenseman.

TJ Tynan converts on the PP for his second of the night and his third point tonight. Innala and Megna on the assists. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/q7xRg7y2pB

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) December 14, 2024

So the start of the season could be a little rough for the Eagles, especially with the Avalanche set to start on LTIR…again with Logan O’Connor’s expected absence. The series of call-ups could be harmful to start the season, but ultimately benefit Prishchepov and Ivan in the long run with more NHL experience. The Eagles will suffer with the call-ups and the Letestu will learn how the Avalanche operate quickly. So do not set the bar very high at the start of the season, Eagles’ fans. The ride could be bumpy.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...ir-success-from-last-season-and-make-playoffs
 
Avalanche extend Josh Manson through 2027-28

Philadelphia Flyers v Colorado Avalanche

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The Avalanche future blue line is looking clearer.

One of the Colorado Avalanche’s most recognizable defensive stalwarts is staying in Denver.

Josh Manson signed a two-year contract extension with the Avalanche Thursday, securing his services through the 2027-28 NHL season, barring a future trade that he approves. The new deal carries an average annual value of $3.95 million, which is a slight discount from his current $4.5 million price tag.


The #GoAvsGo signed 33 y/o D Josh Manson to a 2 year $3.95M Cap Hit extension

12 team NTC year 1, 10 team NTC year 2

Rep’d by Ross Gurney RWGhttps://t.co/XPIQFZSWON

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 11, 2025

However, injuries have been an issue for Manson over the past few years The 33-year-old was limited to 48 games last season due to a series of upper and lower-body ailments. But when he’s not on the sidelines, he’s been one of Colorado’s most dependable and productive blueliners outside of Cale Makar and Devon Toews. His physicality and his pivotal offensive surges has been a cornerstone of the Avalanche defense since being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks more than three years ago.

“Josh has been an integral part of our blue line since joining the team during our 2022 playoff push,” said General Manager Chris MacFarland in a statement. “He’s a rugged, reliable defender who contributes offensively in key moments. Beyond that, he brings invaluable veteran leadership to our locker room. We’re thrilled to have him with us for another three seasons.”

Despite missing a substantial portion of the regular season, Manson remained unwavering in his commitment to return to the ice. His perseverance and self-belief were rewarded when he appeared in all seven games of Colorado’s first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars. He recorded three points during the series, including goals in each of the final two contests—demonstrating that his trademark resilience and competitive edge remain firmly intact.


Josh Manson, extended 2x$4M by COL, is a physical veteran defence-first defenceman. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/2VTNFv7vMG

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 10, 2025

Manson’s defining moment came during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship run, where he posted career highs in goals (3), assists (5), and points (8) across 20 postseason games—cementing his value as a playoff performer.

Though now older, the 6-foot-3, 218-pound blueliner remains a physical force, registering 443 hits since joining the Avalanche—more than any other player on the roster during that span. When healthy, he continues to be a difference-maker. With his extension now in place—and the recent addition of 2016-17 Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns—Colorado’s blue line projects to be tougher, deeper, and more intimidating heading into next season.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...-avalanche-extend-josh-manson-through-2027-28
 
MHH Roundtable: Summer Checklist

Los Angeles Kings v Colorado Avalanche

Photo by Ashley Potts/NHLI via Getty Images

Examining where the Colorado Avalanche stand in early summer.

It’s been an unusual start to the 2025-26 league year as teams weren’t largely finished shaping their rosters by the July 4th holiday. Most teams were able to retain their free agents, and as a result, there have been fewer options on the market. The Colorado Avalanche were never big spenders on July 1st, but have more questions than they typically do at this juncture. Here is how we assess the organization's standing early this summer.

What has been the best move made thus far by Colorado this offseason?​


Adrian: Not a lot in terms of splash moves this offseason thus far, but I am impressed that the Avalanche front office was able to unload the Miles Wood contract despite his term and ongoing back issues. That, in tandem with trading Charlie Coyle, has put the Avalanche in a position to spend money more equitably and fill out the roster on a more balanced basis. I wonder who they plan on paying, considering not much was spent on July 1st.

Jackie: Getting rid of Wood without much pain was a welcome development but the other shoe hasn’t dropped in regards to where the extra cap space is going to fill out the third line. It has been pretty quiet thus far and we know the team isn’t done, so it’s a cautious evaluation. Signing Brent Burns for a year was also a creative addition to the blueline.

Jess: To echo Adrian’s and Jackie’s sentiments, the Coyle and Wood move is the best move so far this offseason, in my opinion. It was an excellent piece of business to clear out some cap room and get out from under those two contracts at once. As Jackie alluded to, we know they’re likely not done quite yet as they haven’t used that cap space quite yet, but there is still plenty of time left this summer and before the season starts for them to fill out their roster.

What roster holes remain, and how important is it to get them filled?​


Adrian: I still think the Avalanche have some work to do in their bottom six with Logan O’Connor slated for a long recovery early on in the season. Adding Brent Burns helps fill that 6-7D slot, but I’d like to see the Avalanche shake up the back end with an accurate 4D. I agree with Jackie, who on numerous occasions has mentioned that Josh Manson doesn’t feel like a second-pair guy any longer.

Ezra: They have to add a third line forward and a left handed defenseman. They are short one NHL caliber option at both those positions right now. There are a few free agents available I suspect they’d sign today, but MacFarland’s press conferences have indicated they’re working on a trade as a first priority - most likely for that LHD, as the free agent options on the back end are not as enticing as the forwards.

Jackie: The third line seems pretty barren and at minimum the Avalanche have to replace Charlie Coyle at center and Joel Kiviranta at wing (don’t just bring him back). Contenders have real depth through the third line so these should not be throw-away positions. A left handed defenseman also seems a priority, though Brent Burns will probably get a fair amount of time on ice so there probably isn’t the role and money available for a true top four add. Still, I refuse to believe that Sam Malinski-Josh Manson is Colorado’s idea for the bottom pair so some addition (and subtraction) seems likely to round out the defense core.

Jess: The top priority to me is the third line; it’s pretty barren, and some work needs to be done to replace Coyle and Kiviranta at the very least, as Jackie said. From there, I’m with Adrian and Ezra, their defense needs some work, aside from the top pairing of Makar and Toews, and there’s plenty of time to work on those before the season starts.

Are there any concerns with Martin Nečas’ contract situation at this point?​


Adrian: I’m concerned, for sure, as it’s pretty well known that Necas’ negotiations with Carolina were pretty contentious before the Marty Party rolled into Mile High. Moreover, I imagine Necas realizes career-high regular season numbers this coming season, but his real proving ground comes on a playoff sheet. He is going to bet on himself, but the deadline will be awkward either way. To me, Colorado will be forced to pay a premium ahead of the deadline, trade him, or risk seeing him walk for nothing but cap space. That would effectively and ultimately make the Mikko trade an L.

Ezra: I’m not concerned at all, in that I’m pretty comfortable with them trading him if he won’t sign a good value extension. I think it’s good business for them to see how he does in Colorado with a full camp before committing big money and term, so the way I see it if they take some time and then extend him that’s great OR if they take some time and then trade him mid season for an upgrade elsewhere that is also great. Nathan MacKinnon will elevate whoever is on his wing — if it’s not Necas, they just need to find his Bryan Rust.

Jackie: Without loyalty or championship feelings to fall back on this relationship is already pretty transactional to begin with. If there already isn’t common ground on a deal it’s going to be pretty tough to find any in the future especially with contracts getting more expensive by the minute. I don’t see the Nečas situation going unresolved past the summer and the Avalanche have yet to build a third line or find a non-replacement level left handed defenseman. So, these things may not be a coincidence. Nečas holds a fair amount of trade value, though he’s rapidly approaching rental status, but continuing to degrade the top talent on the roster because of contract issues isn’t going to help Colorado keep up in the West.

Jess: I’m not really all that concerned personally, whatever happens happens. I do think that these two sides can get something done if they sit down and communicate in negotiations like adults (which might be easier said than done), but if he won’t sign a good-value extension and wants Leon Draisaitl money, for example, I’m perfectly fine with trading him if that’s the case. As Jackie said, though, you also can’t keep trading away top talent and expect to keep up in the West, especially given the arms race, for lack of a better term, that’s happened recently with top Western Conference teams loading up with talent to compete, which is why my preference would be for them to sign him, with that being said.

What is your take on the Brent Burns signing, and how will he fit in the lineup?​


Jackie: I am definitely favor inking Burns instead of whatever the contract offer to Ryan Lindgren was. It’s a sneaky, yet legal, way to pay $4M for the position but have the option to push most of his salary to next season if needed. Still, it’s a short-term solution and I’d generally prefer to see the top four defense core more solidified. But for one year Burns might bring some swagger back to the team and entertainment the in-house content team can’t deny.

Adrian: It’s all about the price tag to me, and for $1M and incentives, I say it's a quality add to the back end. The structure of the contract is such that Burns will be rewarded for staying healthy and contributing, which I appreciate. Burns has quite a ceiling as a likely HOFer and is still hunting for his first Cup, so his perspective should breathe life into the locker room as well.

Ezra: I’m a big Burns fan, and he may not be the guy he was ten years ago but if he’s the guy he was last year it’s an upgrade on Josh Manson at 2RD. He’s an excellent PK guy despite his more offense-centric reputation, and in Carolina he played a shutdown role against top competition at even strength -- his length and IQ will be a nice boost to the Avs blue line on their own, and I think this is a precursor to a move for a sturdier fit on the left side with either Manson or Malinski on the way out. Hopefully Manson because I don’t want this team getting any older.

Jess: I’m not a big Burns fan or anything personally, but I like the signing quite a bit, especially knowing what other defenseman who play a similar style, like Lindgren, got in free agency. The age and decline are a concern, sure, but similarly to Lindgren, I really think Burns will be perfectly fine in a much more sheltered role than where he was playing in the lineup in Carolina.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/7/12/24461704/mhh-roundtable-colorado-avalanche-summer-checklist
 
Morning Flurries: Details in new CBA explained

NHL: OCT 31 Kraken at Maple Leafs

Photo by Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Plus, the Florida Panthers’ day with the Stanley Cup are underway.

It was a momentous day when the NHL and NHLPA announced they had come to terms on a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement and it has since been ratified by a player vote. The full Memo of Understanding has now been released and PuckPedia gathered the important changes together in an easy to understand recap.


We summarized key changes in the new CBA, including:

-New Min Salaries & Max ELC Comp
-Qualifying Offers
-Post deadline 4-recall rule
-Roster Emergency Exceptions (leads to cap charge next season)
-Perf Bonus Eligibility
-Double Retention

Details:https://t.co/JDOnlOQRZK

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 11, 2025

The Seattle Kraken provided a nice feature on their new assistant coach, Aaron Schneekloth and his long journey to a job behind an NHL bench.


New @SeattleKraken assistant Aaron Schneekloth has finally arrived at the @NHL level after nearly a quarter century as a player and coach, including 19 seasons with the @ColoradoEagles.

: @geoffbakernhl | https://t.co/ssbhug7osH pic.twitter.com/Q510hE0T8N

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) July 13, 2025

Etched in history. pic.twitter.com/PtVuBTB2x2

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) July 12, 2025

With the Stanley Cup now etched with its second group of champion Florida Panthers, it’s time for the individual Cup days to begin. Former Colorado Avalanche AJ Greer brings the glistening trophy home to Quebec, as he is the only player on the team from the Canadian province.


A.J. Greer of the @FlaPanthers is using his day with the @StanleyCup and his youth summer camp to benefit charities ⤵️https://t.co/uVD9BpFCPI

— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) July 13, 2025

Unfortunately it sounds like the NHL owners have voted against a draft format that doesn’t favor the players, media or fans again.


Reporting on this only because I’m a bit surprised by the outcome. Expect the NHL to give the Decentralized Draft model another try next year. Strong majority of GM’s voted in favour of the new status quo with some potential production tweaks to move the 1st round along.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 12, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...morning-flurries-details-in-new-cba-explained
 
Mile High Pollster: Avs fans hold hope for upgrading the third line

Colorado Avalanche v Anaheim Ducks

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Colorado's bottom six doesn’t appear ready for opening night — yet.

The countdown to the 2025-26 NHL regular season is officially underway, with the release of the full schedule expected sometime this week. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche still has some questions to answer. That is according to this week's pollster, as fans agree that Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland need to address their bottom-six.


It's looking like another promising year for the @Avalanche in 2025-26 with all the talent on their projected roster! ️

Read more from @NHLdotcom ➡️ https://t.co/vZk3zS6zXF pic.twitter.com/fJyCl6pn7X

— NHL (@NHL) July 15, 2025

Moving but Going Nowhere


The Avalanche have been pretty busy this offseason, but most of their work has been inspired by logistical necessity rather than improvement. You don't get improvement without proper cap construction, so I see this as the calm before the storm for the Avalanche, who have proven to be ready and willing to pull the trigger on a big trade. According to this poll, fans agree that despite the few moves we've seen, the Avalanche remains "about the same" team as it was before the free agency window opened.


Are the Avalanche a better, worse or about the same after free agency?#GoAvsGo | @AdoHernandez27 | @MHH_LAB

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) July 6, 2025

The bottom six isn't typically tough to sort out financially, so it should just be a matter of time until we see this roster filled. That is, if that's the approach for the Avalanche. The golden standard is someone in the same vein as Andrew Cogliano: a penalty killer and gritty player with leadership prowess.


Alright #Avs fans, who here thinks that MacFarland and Sakic will make another big trade before the season starts?#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) July 15, 2025

Will the Avalanche make another splash and add branches to the Mikko Rantanen trade tree? It's starting to feel that way in my opinion, with the Avalanche only delaying the same problem they had with Mikko, but now it comes in the form of a Marty party. Some people have Marty slated to make upwards of 9M AAV, and if the Avs are focused on playoff success, Necas is still relatively unproven in that regard. The proximity to that price tag being the tipping point in this deal, and the trade deadline being mid-season, feels like déjà vu. Will they repeat history and flip Necas?

Jack Drury is 3C?

This next poll comes in response to Chris MacFarland's comments about Jack Drury potentially filling the 3C role come opening night. I find that hard to believe, but if that is the intention, the Avalanche need another 4C since we know how little they promote from within. That said, I agree with the fans who say that Jack Drury is your elite 4C, and 3C is still the most glaring missing piece to the puzzle.


What’s the most important void for Chris MacFarland to fill? #GoAvsGo

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) July 8, 2025

Some familiar names have been brought to the table, and if you know me at all, you know my favorite of those names is J.T. Compher. The man who was momentarily but affectionately dubbed Jimothy Timothy took his talents to Detroit, but just hasn't fit as well as he did here in Colorado. The part I love most about J.T.'s game? He has the innate ability to get under people's skin while staying frustratingly even-keeled. Every team needs a pest, and J.T. is a hard-working one.

Let us know what you think in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...s-fans-hold-hope-for-upgrading-the-third-line
 
What does the future hold for Martin Nečas?

Detroit Red Wings v Colorado Avalanche

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

The Colorado Avalanche offseason feels incomplete.

While the summer is still young and there’s plenty of time for the Colorado Avalanche and their top right winger Martin Nečas to find common ground on a contract extension, there are numerous rumors percolating wondering about the long term fit between both parties.


Chris Johnston on Martin Necas: "The reason his name is out there to a degree is because he is 1 year away from UFA so you either got to be extending him at some point or maybe trading him if you can upgrade him, I mean a team like Colorado is going to be trying to win next year"

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 7, 2025

First of all, let’s acknowledge this, of course, is stating the obvious that either Colorado needs to sign Nečas or consider moving him. It doesn’t take an insider to figure that out as the Avalanche can’t let the primary return for Mikko Rantanen and their top line right wing walk for nothing next summer. But it’s reading between the lines and the frequency of these comments which hints towards a situation brewing much like we saw with Rantanen.


Elliotte Friedman: Re Martin Necas: Is he going to commit to the Avalanche? And if the answer is no, what is Colorado going to do about that? That's going to be one of the interesting questions throughout the year - 32 Thoughts Podcast

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 8, 2025

The other issue at hand is the roughly $5 million in cap space generated from the Charlie Coyle trade and then not replacing him on the roster which has indicated the Avalanche front office isn’t done with the offseason. Are the two situations related? Some late summer veteran signings are always on the table but the amount of cap room and roster holes, including not replacing Joel Kiviranta on the third line, indicate there might be something bigger in the works. It takes two to tango, though.


Alright #Avs fans, who here thinks that MacFarland and Sakic will make another big trade before the season starts?#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) July 15, 2025

Back to Nečas, it’s true the Avalanche often get their work done quietly and an expensive long-term contract takes time to negotiate and iron out all the details but there was always an uncomfortable elephant in the room suggesting his stay in Colorado may only be temporary. Based on one projection from CapWages, Nečas is expected to sign a seven year deal at $9.11 million per year. That sounds fairly reasonable for a player who finished top 20 in the NHL in scoring with 83 points. But, are the Avalanche prepared to make that type of commitment? Also, is the ask from said player within the reasonable realm as he’s staring down impending unrestricted free agency and a salary cap that’s projected to increase to $104 million next summer?

If there isn’t some common ground between the two parties at this point it’s unlikely to materialize as time goes on. After what transpired with Rantanen, minus the ten years of history and a Stanley Cup together, the Avalanche aren’t going to let a movable short-term asset linger on the roster. Expecting a top line player in return is going to be difficult, though, as there were limited options of players in the same contractual position when Colorado acquired Nečas in the first place and if the feeling around the league is that Nečas will be difficult to extend he’s going to be looked at as a rental with tempered return value. Is this potentially another move on the horizon to sell the idea that depth is more valuable than an expensive top line player?

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...ture-hold-for-martin-necas-colorado-avalanche
 
Breaking down the 2025-26 Avalanche schedule

Dallas Stars v Colorado Avalanche - Game Three

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

The fun begins October 7th!

After a delay to see if any new transactions could squeeze slightly more juice out of the schedule for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season, the full 82-game slate for every team has finally been revealed.

For the Colorado Avalanche, fans had to wait 10 extra minutes for the schedule but it was finally revealed and the 2025-26 season will begin October 7th in Los Angeles. It will be a quick turnaround to arrive back home to host the Utah Mammoth at Ball Arena on October 9th. The Dallas Stars arrive that weekend on October 11th to spice up the season early as part of the NHL’s all 32 teams in action slate.



October 28th is another such date with all 32 teams in action but this one will have the traditional frozen frenzy scheduling with staggered start times. Colorado has a “normal” 7 p.m. MT start, though, as they host New Jersey that evening.

On Halloween the Avalanche have a 1 p.m. MT matinee match against the Golden Knights as part of their Nevada Day celebrations, which will be one of the staggering 18 daytime offerings on this Avalanche schedule. Maybe the league took the age of Colorado’s roster into account to arrive at this decision.

The most significant homecoming on the Avalanche schedule is when Brock Nelson takes a trip back to the Island to face New York on December 4th to start off one of three four-game road trips. The longest homestand is seven games at Ball Arena from January 8th to 23rd.

As we know, the NHL will take a near three-week break from February 6th-24th for players to participate in the Milano Cortina Olympics. Colorado will have their last game on February 4th against San Jose and resume playing on February 25th in Utah. March as a result will be especially jam-packed with 15 games that month.

There are multiple home-and-home mini-series starting with New Jersey in October, then Detroit in January, Winnipeg in March, and St. Louis in April. Though not a true home-and-home, Colorado will host and visit Boston within a week in October.

The regular season ends on Thursday, April 16th against the Seattle Kraken as the last of five consecutive games against the Pacific division. Colorado should know their position in the Central division before this final stretch.

Which game are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...-down-the-2025-26-colorado-avalanche-schedule
 
Morning Flurries: Summer Skates

Colorado Avalanche v Montreal Canadiens

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Your daily dose of Colorado Avalanche news and links.

This week the NHL released the jam-packed 2025-26 NHL schedule and we broke down how the Colorado Avalanche’s exciting slate is shaping up starting with opening night on October 7th.

If you can’t wait for puck drop then check out Brock Nelson scoring in Minnesota’s famous summer scrimmages in Da Beauty League. Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski is also taking part in the activities.


Brock Nelson scores his first of many this summer #daBL2025 | @Avalanche pic.twitter.com/1z0Rad9vOI

— Da Beauty League (@DaBeautyLeague) July 9, 2025

One more coaching vacancy has been filled within the organization as Derek Army has been tabbed as assistant coach of the Colorado Eagles. He is the son of former Avalanche assistant Tim Army and most recently was the head coach of the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers.


Derek Army has been named Assistant Coach of the Colorado Eagles. pic.twitter.com/0uwKzEbI5u

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) July 14, 2025

Sean Behrens was the subject of the latest episode of Peak Access. At the recently concluded development camp the 22-year-old defenseman discussed his season-ending knee injury and recovery process while the voice of the Avalanche Connor McGahey reminded us why the Avalanche don’t need prospects.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/7/19/24470225/colorado-avalanche-morning-flurries-summer-skates
 
Martin Nečas and the Long Game: A Case for a Contract Extension

Dallas Stars v Colorado Avalanche - Game Six

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

If the Avalanche fix the Nečas problem, if there is one, they only stand to benefit from it.

In professional sports, silence can be deafening—particularly when it surrounds a player rumored to be discontented.

In early June, veteran insider Nick Kypreos reported that Martin Nečas was less than fully satisfied with his experience during his initial season with the Colorado Avalanche. The claim sparked swift rebuttals from select members of the media, some of whom dismissed the notion outright. But amid the noise and counterclaims, one voice was notably absent: that of Nečas himself.

The Czech forward has yet to issue a statement affirming—or denying—his comfort in Colorado. And in a league where clarity is often the antidote to speculation, his silence has done little to quiet the conversation.

The Avalanche are no strangers to managing situations involving player unrest. A prominent example remains Matt Duchene, whose growing discontent became increasingly conspicuous during his final months with the organization. Unlike more discreet cases of internal dissatisfaction, Duchene’s desire for a change of scenery was markedly transparent—evident in his body language, his stand-offish interactions with the media, and a general demeanor that suggested his heart was no longer with the team.

Although Duchene was once viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise, the situation reached a point where his continued presence had become a distraction. In November 2017, the Avalanche parted ways with their former third-overall pick in a three-team trade involving the Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators. Colorado sent Duchene to Ottawa, receiving a package that included top prospects Samuel Girard and Vladislav Kamenev, a first-round pick (which would become Bowen Byram), and other conditional assets. The transaction would later prove transformative. Colorado would go on to win the 2022 Stanley Cup championship, their third in franchise history, which Duchene has yet to accomplish.

Perhaps Nečas is simply the non-confrontational type. If reports of his dissatisfaction hold merit, it is incumbent upon the Avalanche organization to identify and address the underlying causes. To provide context, Nečas was thrust into a challenging situation upon his arrival from the Carolina Hurricanes—stepping into the void left by the trade of Mikko Rantanen, a move that was met with considerable resistance from the Avalanche fanbase. Understandably, Nečas may have perceived the circumstances as somewhat fraught or even dismissive of his own value, which offers a plausible explanation for any reticence.

Nečas Is Worth The Money

Upon joining the Avalanche in January, Nečas delivered an impressive 28 points— totaling 11 goals and 17 assists—over just 30 games, approaching a point-per-game pace. Overall, Nečas finished top 20 in league scoring posting 83 points (27 goals, 56 assists) over the regular season for both Carolina and Colorado.

Let’s compare Nečas’ performance to other right-wingers within a similar salary range.

Nikita Kucherov, at 32 years of age, recently secured his second consecutive Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer, amassing an impressive 121 points—37 goals and 84 assists—while carrying a cap hit of $9.5 million. The contract was signed in 2018, though, when the salary cap was just $79.5 million. In contrast, Nečas, at just 26 years old, presents a compelling case for continued growth and sustained production. The Avalanche have every reason to anticipate that Nečas will maintain, if not elevate, his current pace. Unless his purported dissatisfaction in Colorado reaches a level that adversely affects his engagement with the team, the evidence from his regular-season performance clearly demonstrates that he is playing quality hockey and remains a vital contributor to the Avalanche’s offensive arsenal.

Let us also consider David Pastrňák of the Boston Bruins, who earns an annual salary of $11.25 million and recently completed a 106-point campaign, tallying 43 goals and 63 assists. At 29 years old, Pastrňák has established himself as a consistently prolific 40-goal scorer and a central piece of the Bruins offense. While Nečas’ current production does not yet fully reach Pastrňák’s level, his output is comparably close. Should Nečas continue to refine his on-ice performance and foster strong chemistry within the Avalanche locker room, a contract in the vicinity of $10 million annually would be both reasonable and reflective of his ascending trajectory.

Nečas was undeniably thrust into a challenging and, by many accounts, uncomfortable situation upon his arrival in Colorado—circumstances that may have understandably fostered some reservations about his role and future with the Avalanche. To be candid, a segment of the Avalanche fanbase can be notoriously demanding, evoking comparisons to the often insatiable expectations of Toronto Maple Leafs fans. This reality cannot be overlooked when considering the external pressures Nečas faces.

Moreover, it is entirely plausible that locker room dynamics following the trade engendered a sense of unease or exclusion, leaving Nečas to question whether he truly belonged within the team’s inner circle. Such sentiments are both valid and worthy of consideration.

However, if the organization and its supporters afford Nečas the patience and respect his talent warrants, allowing time for integration and chemistry to develop organically, there is every reason to believe he could blossom into a 90-100 point player over the coming seasons. The potential is undeniable; what remains is the collective willingness to nurture it.

Hometown Discount?

Cale Makar is due for a new contract at the end of the 2026–27 NHL season. That, too, must be factored into Colorado’s long-term cap calculus. As a two-time Norris Trophy winner and a Conn Smythe Trophy recipient, Makar is widely considered the best player in the league. Priority should go to Makar, but how the Avalanche navigate the contractual interplay between Nečas and Makar will serve as a defining inflection point in shaping the organization’s future trajectory.

If Colorado can persuade Nečas to agree to a team-friendly contract now, the long-term implications could be profoundly beneficial. Securing a future superstar below market value would provide the Avalanche with a critical margin for flexibility.

If Nečas is willing to buy into the long-term vision and accept a slightly discounted rate in exchange for organizational stability and a legitimate shot at a Stanley Cup, both sides stand to gain. If Nečas is not willing to play ball, or in this case, puck, Chris MacFarland will have more moves up his sleeve.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...e-for-a-contract-extension-colorado-avalanche
 
A new look coming for Mile High Hockey in August

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Our coverage remains the same but with a new look

In just a couple of weeks, Mile High Hockey is switching to a new platform as part of SB Nation’s network-wide move to a new publishing platform. This will change the look of the site and also make it faster and more reliable on any device you use. This is an upgrade.

When you land on the site, it will look cleaner – less clunky, with more white space, a better ad experience with faster load times – but will still have all the usual articles, analysis, and news by all the folks you know.

Community discussion and content created by you will be more prominent in the new design. The best comment threads will be easy to find, and staff and commenters alike will be able to start conversations whenever they like with a brand new tool.

We’re planning on an early August reveal, so we wanted to give you a heads up. You’ll hear more from us when it’s almost here. The site will look a little different, feel a little faster, and, most importantly, have a bigger role for you, the community.

So, stick around and check it out!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/7/24/24472216/a-new-look-coming-for-mile-high-hockey-in-august
 
Preview: Colorado Avalanche 2025 Top 25 Under 25

2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Portraits

Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images

There will be a lot of changes upcoming in this annual series.

Tomorrow we will begin our annual tradition of ranking and counting down all Colorado Avalanche organizational players who are 25 years of age or younger as of September 1st, 2025. There are 26 eligible players to list, more on that later, and therefore we will profile one Honorable Mention tomorrow to kick things off. Next week the road from #25 to #1 will begin with five players highlighted each week for five weeks until we reach the top Avalanche player under 25.

There was an incredible amount of turnover from our 2024 list including six of the top 10, which might lead to a few surprises on the 2025 ranking. Many of these players were traded away over the last year and a couple others did not receive a qualifying offer or contract from Colorado. Just to specify who will not be appearing on the upcoming list, we must say goodbye to:

#1 Calum Ritchie

#3 Justus Annunen

#4 Nikolai Kovalenko

#7 Erik Brännström

#8 Jean-Luc Foudy

#10 Ondrej Pavel

#12 William Zellers

#T-21 Kevin Mandolese

#25 Maros Jedlicka

First of all, it might be a surprise to see Maros Jedlicka named among the other players who have departed the organization. He has signed a one-year AHL deal with the Colorado Eagles for 2025-26 and will still be around but for rights purposes those expired on June 1st, therefore any other NHL club can sign him at any time. If he’s not Colorado Avalanche property he’s not technically part of the organization, and therefore isn’t eligible for this list.

The same can be said for defenseman Hank Kempf who in a similar situation will have his NHL rights to the Avalanche expire on August 15th. He has also signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Eagles but technically will not be property of the Avalanche at the conclusion of these rankings and is not eligible for this list. The question will surely come up, so here is the explanation on why these two were excluded as we do not rank AHL-only players.

No fan vote this year to streamline the process but there will be a new feature for our readers to provide your feedback, so look forward to that! We are very excited to get to our largest project and annual summer content. Before we know it training camp will be just around the corner, too!

Who will be the greatest riser on our list? The biggest surprise? Which profile are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/7/24/24463590/preview-2025-colorado-avalanche-top-25-under-25
 
Oskar Olausson traded for former San Jose prospect Danil Gushchin

San Jose Sharks v Winnipeg Jets

Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images

It’s a summertime prospect swap!

After four years in the organization, the Colorado Avalanche decided they saw enough of former 2021 first round pick Oskar Olausson and have traded him to the prospect retirement state of California in exchange for San Jose Sharks prospect left wing Danil Gushchin.


Trade

To #GoAvsGo
Danil Guschin, 23 y/o F, RFA, 28G 51P in 56 AHL GP

To #SJSharks
Oskar Olausson, 22 y/o F, Yr 3/3 $863K Cap Hit, 26P in 61 AHL GPhttps://t.co/u1LJnySvKe

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 25, 2025

While Gushchin is one year older at 23-years of age, both he and Olausson have three years AHL experience under their belt. Gushchin was a third round San Jose pick and both players spent a year in the OHL before beginning their pro careers.

Olausson had a lot of promise with size at six-foot-two and a possesses great shot but inconsistency and lack of AHL production didn’t earn him much favor for an extended opportunity with the Avalanche. The right wing had his best AHL year in 2024-25, but it was cut short due to injury, when he put up 20 points in 39 games. Still, the longest run Olausson ever received was two NHL games for a grand total of four in his career.

This move is another in a long line of transactions which have sent many one highly thought of but ultimately discarded prospects to San Jose including Nicolas Meloche, Martin Kaut, Nikolai Kovalenko and now Oskar Olausson. Also worth noting, the Sharks just recently traded for another former Avalanche prospect in Shane Bowers.

After three years in the AHL it’s best for both players to move on to other opportunities before likely heading back overseas. Gushchin got in 18 games with the Sharks including 12 games in the 2024-25 campaign and has scored two NHL goals. His size at five-foot-eight could be a limiting factor but if he can show enough skill at the NHL level he could get more of an opportunity than Olausson did.

With three straight 20-goal AHL seasons including two of over 50 points, if nothing else the Russian left wing projects as a top scorer for the Colorado Eagles assuming his skill set translates to new head coach Mark Letestu’s system and gets power play time. To get there first Gushchin needed a new contract as he was an unsigned Restricted Free Agent without arbitration rights at the time of the trade. It didn’t take long for the Avalanche to agree on a deal with their new acquisition at the NHL league minimum $775k with a $200k guarantee. He is waivers eligible now, too.


After acquiring Gushchin from #SJSharks, the #GoAvsGo signed him to 1 year deal

NHL 775K
Minors 150K
Guaranteed 200K

28G 51P in 56 AHL GP

Will be RFA on expiry

Rep'd by Diamond/Gandler ISAhttps://t.co/M2ynHdTvxN

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 25, 2025

Gushchin will be in the mix with the rest of the new depth forwards such as Gavin Brindley, Alex Barre-Boulet and Zakhar Bardakov to make an impression in training camp and find favor for a NHL opportunity. Just how many open spots will be determined by the number of transactions Colorado makes the rest of this offseason.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...d-for-former-san-jose-prospect-danil-gushchin
 
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