The backbone of the Colorado Avalanche has been one of the best defense corps in the NHL, while goaltending has typically been at or near the top of the list of potential questions.
It’s a bit of a role reversal this offseason.
Colorado coach Jared Bednar can still begin his lineup card with two defense pairings that stack up with the league’s best, but who slots in behind them is to be determined. Meanwhile, the first two spots on the depth chart in net look quite secure, with only a depth addition behind them needed.
This is part two of a primer for what is an intriguing offseason for the Avalanche. Part one dealt with the forwards.
There is not a lot of cap space available for general manager Chris MacFarland and his staff right now, particularly because of the uncertainty moving forward with key forwards Valeri Nichushkin and Gabe Landeskog.
Who are some of the low-cost options who could fit as depth players for the Avalanche at both positions?
Defense
Returning regulars: Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Samuel Girard, Josh Manson
Potential regulars: Sam Malinski
Unrestricted free agents: Sean Walker, Jack Johnson, Caleb Jones
Given the lack of cap space, particularly after forwards Casey Mittelstadt and Jonathan Drouin possibly get new deals, it could be tough for the Avs to begin next season with a defense corps as strong as the last one. That was part of the deal though when Colorado moved Bo Byram as part of a two-trade maneuver to land Mittelstadt and solidify the No. 2 center spot behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Malinski, who turns 26 this summer, looked like a solid NHL player in 23 games as a rookie. If he can play more like a No. 5 defenseman who anchors the third pair and less like someone who is a placeholder, that would be a big boost.
Walker had a breakout year split between Philadelphia and Colorado, and will likely have a market that is too rich for the Avs to try and bring him back. Johnson, 37, made it clear that he wants to keep playing.
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The Avs need at least one third-pairing defenseman, and the depth chart isn’t exactly overflowing with NHL-ready guys behind Malinski. Adding two or three guys Bednar can trust to play 15 minutes would be ideal if the cap crunch allows it.
Sean Behrens is going to need time in the AHL. Mikhail Gulyayev’s arrival in North America, let alone NHL readiness, is likely multiple years away.
The budget is likely $1 million per player or less. The only way that changes is if the Avs trade an established forward to free up space. Or if they moved one of Girard or Manson, but that also opens a significant hole that Malinski or another player who costs less than Girard/Manson might not be able to fill adequately.
Who are some potential targets?
Jones — While the Avs did give him a full-time spot in the NHL, he went long stretches without playing last season. Does he want to come back to a similar situation? Would the Avs feel comfortable with him as a clear-cut regular?
Johnson — Similar to Andrew Cogliano up front, he’s been a veteran leader but the Avs have to decide if his on-ice play is still worthy of a spot.
Dmitry Kulikov, Panthers — Played this season at $1 million, but has been a regular for the potential Stanley Cup champions. That alone might get him a raise.
Mike Reilly, Islanders — Had a nice season while also making $1 million on Long Island. Should get more, but he’s been under-appreciated at times in his career.
Calvin de Haan/Haydn Fleury, Lightning — de Haan is smaller and older but has a better track record. Fleury is 6-foot-4 and had solid underlying defensive numbers in a limited role for Tampa Bay this season.
Justin Holl, Red Wings — Holl is a potential buyout candidate after his first year in Detroit did not go well.
Nate Schmidt, Jets — Another guy who could get bought out. He sat at the start of the Avs series, and the Jets played a little better after he was inserted into the lineup.
Goaltending
Returning regulars: Alexandar Georgiev, Justus Annunen
Unrestricted free agents: Ivan Prosvetov
The Avs currently only have three goaltenders on NHL contracts. They’re going to add at least one to compete with Trent Miner for playing time with the Eagles, and it will likely be someone with a little more NHL/AHL experience. There is usually a collection of No. 3 goalies available in the summer, but the Avs added Prosvetov at the end of training camp when most teams have to send their No. 3 guy through waivers.
Two groups of free agents could form the pool to choose from: Guys who were an NHL backup last season but get squeezed out, and guys who’ve been regulars at No. 3 on the depth chart. Once the 64 spots on NHL depth charts are locked in, the money for everyone else dries up.
Backups to watch: Scott Wedgewood, Stars; Kevin Lankinen, Predators; Kaapo Kahkonen, Devils; Martin Jones, Maple Leafs
Other candidates: Eric Comrie, Sabres; Pheonix Copley, Kings; Malcolm Subban, Blue Jackets; Michael Hutchinson, Red Wings; Magnus Hellberg, Panthers
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