Team: 2022-23 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 2, 2021

Published: Aug. 2, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

The first thing the Avs will need to do is shed the last year deals of JTC (late pick) and EJ (50% retainage for 3AAV is not bad value and some team will do it for a pick)

This would give the Avalanche a starting cap room in the summer of 2022 around 31.4 million with the following spots to fill:

2nd line Winger * Resign Burakovsky
(need 2) * Forsberg would be a great get

2nd line C * Depends on Newhook's growth but would be the most cost-effective avenue
* The dream scenario would be that Barkov makes it to UFA, but he will more than likely resign in Florida
* Zibanejad is wanting 10 AAV/full term which is way too high for someone that will be 29 years old.

3rd line Wingers * Nichushkin has fit in great and I could see them extending him. 4 yr / 3AAV
(need 2, also depends on youngsters that step up)

4th LINE (depending on how the kids do: Kaut, Ranta, LOC, Foudy (if called up) or sign cheap vets that are made for playoffs

3rd line RHD *Drew Helleson could be ready after spending 3 years at Boston College

Goalie (goal will be to resign Kuemper if healthy for season/playoffs as it cost a lot to obtain him)
Goalie *Justus Annunen will have a chance to win the backup but they will probably look to get a veteran for protection


_______________________________________________________________________


Signing Forsberg, Nichushkin, Burakovsky, Kuemper puts a big dent in the cap space but solidifies our top 9 as well as a goalie.




In 2023 offseason when Mackinnon is due for his raise. We would still have 22 million in cap room to sign: Mack, Newhook, Byram as the main pieces. And more than likely flipping Towes to free up another 4.1 million as Byram would be in the top 4 by then

1.

2.