REPORT: Major Trade Likely in Colorado Due to the Salary Cap

The Colorado Avalanche achieved their goal of winning the Stanley Cup in 2022, but they clearly want to go after another.

The pieces for a contender are still there... unfortunately, the money isn't.

Imperative That They Keep Toews

While Cale Makar is clearly the star of the Avalanche's top pairing, Devon Toews is one of the most underrated players in the league. He's truly elite defensively, with high-end analytics, and he's the perfect complement to the superstar Makar.


It is thus incredibly important that the Avalanche keep him when he becomes a UFA, as he maximizes the play of their best (or second best) player. Unfortunately, The Athletic believes that Toews will somewhere between $8-million and $10.3-million on his next deal, and that it will likely have max term. With Toews approaching 30, this is a big ask, but it is one the Avalanche must deliver.

Several Other Top Free Agents

While the salary cap is rising, the Avs will have Mikko Rantanen, Bowen Byram, and Alexander Georgiev as free agents in 2025. It can be assumed that they'll want to keep all of them.

The odd man out in this situation? Samuel Girard. While he has been a very good member of the Avalanche, his $5-million deal would be better used keeping together the top-end of the team. It is likely we'll see a trade sometime this season.

Full Story From NHL Trade Talk - COLORADO AVALANCHE Trade Likely as Avalanche Prep For Toews Contract Talks