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Colorado Avalanche Day 1 Free Agency Grades & Analysis
With limited resources, the Colorado Avalanche face a challenging task this summer. Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog’s uncertain status created a significant salary cap issue, and Casey Mittelstadt’s extension further restricted their flexibility, but it was a necessary move. Although there were rumors about teams showing interest in Ross Colton, no concrete offers materialized to free up more cap space. Colorado needed to prioritize signing at least one player from their free agent list, with Jonathan Drouin as the top candidate. With just over $10 million in cap space to spend after the Mittelstadt extension, it will be tough to build a roster hoping to compete for a Stanley Cup.
Despite all the uncertainty heading into July 1, General Manager Chris MacFarland made some solid signings, addressing key areas while offering astute contracts with low average annual value (AAV) that don’t hinder future offseason plans. Here is all the activity from day one of the Avalanche’s free agency.
Jonathan Drouin, LW/RW
1-year $2.5 million
The first contract signed was an important one. After his massive success in 2023-24, getting Drouin back was the offseason priority. Playing with old friend and junior linemate Nathan MacKinnon, it took some time for Drouin to find his game, but once it clicked, he, MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen produced elite numbers. He achieved a career-high 56 points (19 goals and 37 assists) in 79 games last season, ranked fourth in team scoring. Last season, he also set personal bests in assists and ice time (averaging 18:11 per game). His 19 goals marked his second-highest total in a single campaign.
The signing came amid some rumblings. Both parties were eager to finalize a contract and settle various terms, and there were reports that he would head to the market while remaining in touch with the Avalanche to work on a new deal. Besides all that noise, the contract was signed, surprising many (including myself).
The term and AAV are great, but many expected a longer term, around 4-5 years, alongside a higher AAV, $5-$6 million a year. Even though this is logical, the Avalanche have limited cap space. By giving Drouin another one-year contract, they are expecting him to be even more productive than last season when he can earn a more lucrative deal next offseason. This approach gives the Avalanche the flexibility to pursue other players this offseason and assess Drouin’s performance to determine their long-term cap strategy.
Signing Grade: A-
Joel Kiviranta, LW/RW
1-year, $775,000
Joel Kiviranta received a Professional Tryout contract (PTO) with the Colorado Eagles last season and capitalized on the opportunity. He earned a spot on the Eagles’ roster before securing a two-way deal with the Avalanche. An unfortunate injury to Artturi Lehkonen led to Kiviranta being called up, and he has been performing consistently ever since.
During the 2023-24 season, he played 56 regular-season games for Colorado, scoring nine points (three goals and six assists). He also played in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games and contributed two points (one goal and one assist). He achieved a regular-season career-high of three points (one goal and two assists) against the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 15, and he reached his 200th NHL game milestone on Feb. 8 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He has a strong two-way game and can play on the penalty kill. Hopefully, a change of scenery and new linemates will make him a solid addition to the bottom six.
Signing Grade: B-
Calvin De Haan, D
1-year, $800,000
The Avalanche needed to fill a hole on their third defensive pairing, and Calvin De Haan is a good fit. He plays a game similar to Jack Johnson but does it better. He’s great at blocking shots and is responsible for moving the puck. De Haan is reliable in most areas of the game. Last season, he played 59 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and scored 10 points (three goals and seven assists). On Dec. 14, he played his 600th career regular-season game against the Edmonton Oilers. He also played in one postseason game for the Lightning.
With the other defensive pairings already set, he could make a great pairing with Sam Malinski, who made a lasting impression after his debut last season. De Haan can take some defensive pressure off Malinski, who can focus on growing his offensive game. Blocking shots and landing hits while still showing some offensive flashes is what a less experienced defenseman like Malinski needs as a partner.
Signing Grade: B+
Jacob MacDonald, D/LW
2-year, $1.15 million
Jacob MacDonald was with the Avalanche from 2019 to 2023, including their 2022 Cup victory. In Jan. 2023, the Avalanche traded him and Martin Kaut to the San Jose Sharks for Ryan Merkley and Matt Nieto. MacDonald is an offensive defenceman and was even utilized as a forward by the Avalanche due to his speed. He will most likely split time between the Eagles and the Avalanche. He is a veteran familiar with the roster, and adding depth and versatility is always welcome.
