The Colorado Avalanche will be looking to bolster their lineup this summer. While there are no glaring holes in the team, there’s always room for improvement.
Of course, we could debate which areas require the most attention this offseason. From my perspective, the Avalanche need to secure a second-line center. Whether that’s re-signing Brock Nelson or acquiring someone else, the point is that the team needs someone behind Nathan MacKinnon.
I would also argue that the Avs need another solid top-four defenseman as Samuel Girard and Josh Manson have been dealing with lingering injury issues. Perhaps there’s an in-house option already on the team in Sam Malinski. He’s made significant strides and looks like a mainstay for the team.
Beyond those two points, the Avalanche stand to lose Jonathan Drouin to free agency. It’s not that I’m declaring that Drouin will bolt. While it’s a possibility, it’s unlikely. But the Avalanche may end up with a vacant spot on the wing in their top six if that’s the case.
So, why not kick the tires on someone like Brock Boeser?
Judging from media comments, Boeser doesn’t seem keen on returning to Vancouver next year. While the Canucks have been politically correct in saying they would like Boeser to return, the odds of that happening are rather slim.
There’s a chance, naturally, that Boeser and the Canucks work things out and agree on a new contract. But then again, Boeser may want to test the free-agent waters first.
Boeser is one year removed from scoring 40 goals and could be a fantastic addition to the Colorado Avalanche lineup. He could play on the top line with MacKinnon, or perhaps add some punch on the second unit.
Adding Boeser to the Avalanche lineup is an intriguing idea and one certainly worth looking into.
Looking at the cost to add Brock Boeser to Colorado Avalanche lineup
The business side of hockey could make adding Boeser to the Avalanche lineup somewhat complex.
Brock Boeser is coming off a three-year $19.95 million contract. His $6.65 million AAV made it challenging for the Canucks to move Boeser at this year’s trade deadline.
Now, $6.65 million for a 40-goal scorer is a bargain in today’s NHL. And, it seems that’s what it will cost to land Boeser even at 28. Assuming the two sides can work out a deal somewhere in that range, the biggest question will be term.
Do the Avalanche take a chance and sign Boeser long-term, say, for four or five years?
Or, does Boeser agree to another short-term deal to maximize his AAV?
With the salary cap increasing over the next three seasons, Colorado could take a chance and sign Boeser to a four or five year to bring his AAV down. Yes, the team could have an albatross on their hands if Boeser doesn’t work out, but at least the shorter-term deal won’t derail the team’s salary cap structure.
If the Avalanche can land Boeser on a five-year deal with an AAV of around $5 to $6 million, he’d be worth looking into. The Avs need scoring and could greatly benefit from adding a proven scorer to an already deep lineup.
