Colorado Avalanche Day 1 Free Agency Grades & Analysis – Hockey Writers – Colorado Avalanche
With limited resources, the Colorado Avalanche face a challenging task this summer. The uncertain status of Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog created a significant salary issue, and Casey Mittelstadt’s extension further limited their flexibility, but it was a necessary step. While there have been rumors about teams showing interest in Ross Colton, no concrete offers have been made to clear more cap space. Colorado needed to prioritize signing at least one player on its free agent list, with Jonathan Drouin as the top player. With just over $10 million in cap space to use after the Mittelstadt extension, it will be difficult to build a roster with hopes of contending for the Stanley Cup.
Despite all the uncertainty come July 1, General Manager Chris MacFarland signed something solid, addressing key areas while offering smart contracts with low average annual value (AAV) that don’t hinder future plans. Here’s all the action from the first day of free agency for the Avalanche.
Jonathan Drouin, LW/RW
1 year $2.5 million
The first signed contract was important. After his big success in 2023-24, getting Drouin back was a priority in the offseason. Playing with old friend and junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon, it took time for Drouin to find his game, but once it clicked, he, MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen produced high numbers. He scored a career-high 56 points (19 goals and 37 assists) in 79 games last season, ranking fourth on the team in scoring. Last season, he also posted assists and ice time (18:11 per game average). His 19 goals marked his second-highest total in a single campaign.
The signing came with a bang. Both teams were eager to finalize the contract and work out various terms, and there were reports that he would head to the market while still in contact with the Avalanche to work out a new deal. Despite all that noise, the deal was signed, much to the surprise of many (myself included).
The term and AAV are good, but many expected a longer period, about 4-5 years, and a higher AAV, $5-$6 million per year. Although this makes sense, the Avalanche has limited space. By giving Drouin another year’s contract, they expect him to be more productive than last season where he can get a more lucrative contract next season. This approach gives the Avalanche the flexibility to pursue other players this offseason and evaluate Drouin’s performance to determine their long-term strategy.
Signing grade: A-
Joel Kiviranta, LW/RW
1 year, $775,000
Joel Kiviranta received a Professional Tryout (PTO) contract with the Colorado Eagles last season and took advantage of the opportunity. He earned a spot on the Eagles roster before getting a two-way deal with the Avalanche. An unfortunate injury to Artturi Lehkonen led to Kiviranta’s call-up, and he has been doing so ever since.
In 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 had a career-high three points (one goal and two assists) against the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 15, and 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 teammates 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 defensive third pairing, and Calvin De Haan is a perfect fit. He plays the same game as Jack Johnson but does it better. He is good at blocking shots and is responsible for moving the puck. De Haan is reliable in many 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 December 14, he played his 600th game of the regular season against the Edmonton Oilers. He also played in one game last season for the Lightning.
Related: MacKinnon’s Latest Awards Help Seal His Place in the Hall of Fame
With other defensive pairings already in place, he could make a good pairing with Sam Malinski, who made a lasting impression after his debut last season. De Haan can take the defensive pressure off Malinski, who can focus on developing his offensive game. Blocking shots and sharp hits while still being flash offensively is what a less experienced defenseman like Malinski needs as a partner.
Signature Grade: B+
Jacob MacDonald, D/LW
2 years, $1.15 million
Jacob MacDonald was with the Avalanche from 2019 to 2023, including their 2022 Cup win. On Jan. 2023, the Avalanche traded him and Martin Kaut to the San Jose Sharks for Ryan Merkley and Matt Nieto. MacDonald is an offensive defenseman and was even used as a forward for the Avalanche because of his speed. He will likely split time between the Eagles and the Avalanche. He is a veteran familiar with the roster, and adding depth and versatility is welcome.
Signing grade: B-
Chase Bradley, LW/C
2-years, $1.745 million
Chase Bradley, was not selected by the Detroit Red Wings in 2020 (203rd overall). He spent the last three years at UConn, playing in 95 games and scoring 51 points (25 goals, 26 assists). Bradley has played mostly on the third line but has a very good position off the puck. His skating ability sets him apart from the bottom six, as he maintains reasonable control.
From St. Louis, you have a powerful and tricky gun. Bradley will join the organization on an entry-level deal that will only cost the Avalanche $775,000 if he plays in the NHL. At 22, the organization found another young prospect trying to find his game. Expect him to spend most of the season with the Eagles in the American Hockey League (AHL) and be used as a call-up in case of injury, or as he begins to find his game.
Signing grade: B-
TJ Tynan, C
1 year, $775,000
The former Eagles captain has returned to the organization after spending three years with the Los Angeles Kings and the Ontario Reign in the AHL. Tynan previously played 16 games with the Avalanche as a fourth-line center during the 2019-20 season. Known for winning faceoffs and being tough around the neck, he’ll fit in either Denver or Loveland. Despite his small stature, at 5-foot-8, Tynan can throw his body around and make his presence known. Expect him to be one of the first to be called up if the Avalanche need a center.
Signing Grade: C+
Parker Kelly, LW
2 years, $1.65 Million
Parker Kelly is a hard-working forward who powers the bottom six. Kelly hits hard and can support the penalty kill while adding a shorthanded goal here and there. Last season, he reached career highs in points (18) and games played (80). This is his first contract after his entry contract ended.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound player should boost the Avalanche offensively and defensively. He is also known for his behavior, which was called 30 minutes of penalties throughout the last season. He also had 171 hits and 67 blocks. Expect him to make the bottom half of opening night.
Signing grade: B-
Calle Rosen, D
1 year, Financial Period Not Disclosed
Calle Rosen is another returning player; played eight games for the Avalanche and 35 games for the Eagles for the 2019-20 season. With the Eagles, Rosen recorded 15 points (3 goals and 12 assists). However, he is remembered for being the defender who pushed Nazem Kadri into Jordan Binington in the 2022 Playoffs, leading to a water bottle incident. This year, Rosen will play for the Eagles. He is known to be a good skater with offensive skills. He can also defend his position well and has a very effective stick.
Signal distance: C+
The snow did well on Day 1
The Avs’ main goal was to sign Drouin, and they did. The other signings were intended to fill out the depth chart and return players to the Eagles. It was a very successful day, given the circumstances. It would be nice to see Riley Tufte stay in Colorado, especially since he’s happy to finally get a chance on the top line, but he signed with the Boston Bruins.
We will have to wait and see how the rest of the Avalanche and Eagles stack up in the coming days. The key names have been signed, and now it’s up to general manager Chris MacFarland and management to assess their position and see what other moves they can make to stay in line with the cap and have a team good enough for a Stanley Cup run.
Signing Grade for Day 1: B+
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