NHL free agency: 3 blue liners that could solve Colorado Avalanche depth needs

As the NHL draws closer to the Stanley Cup Final, the Colorado Avalanche along with the other 27 teams in the league are in full offseason mode, looking to reload for the upcoming season.

This upcoming offseason isn’t shaping up to be overly dramatic for the Avs. But it will be eventful as the club needs to address one key issue: Blue line depth.

That need was partially addressed in-season, with the addition of Erik Johnson at the trade deadline. Personally, Johnson’s addition was a nice touch. I think he added some much-needed grit.

However, more depth will be crucial, especially if injuries become a thing again this upcoming season. So, here’s a look at three blue liners who could solve the Colorado Avalanche’s need for further defensive depth heading into next season.

3 free agent blue liners that could help solve Colorado Avalanche depth needs

Nate Schmidt

Nate Schmidt has been playing a key role for the Florida Panthers this postseason. He’s been mostly a third-pairing defenseman but has risen to the occasion when needed.

His overall toughness and grit have made him a valuable piece even at 33. Schmidt signed a one-year, $800K deal with the Panthers this season. Now, it’s safe to assume the Panthers will want to keep Schmidt in the fold. But that doesn’t mean another team can’t make an offer to lure the impending free agent.

Schmidt could be insurance in case of injuries on the left side. Samuel Girard and Devon Toews both dealt with injuries at some point this past season.

Moreover, Schmidt could be a replacement for Ryan Lindgren, should the 27-year-old leave this summer. Signing Schmidt to a two or three-year deal could make sense, especially if the cap hit is reasonable.

Nick Perbix

Nick Perbix has quietly made a name for himself on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s blue line. He has played three full seasons with the Lightning, gradually rising through the team’s depth chart. This offseason, the 26-year-old will be looking for a multi-year deal and a raise.

He’s earned it and could get it from the Colorado Avalanche if the team can’t re-sign Ryan Lindgren. But even if the Avs do, Perbix could come in as a depth blue liner who could play up and down the lineup.

He could make a home for himself on the Avalanche’s second pair, particularly when considering that Josh Manson will be 34 next season as has had a slew of injuries over the last couple of seasons.

Looking a few moves ahead, Perbix could end up replacing Manson at a much lower cap hit down the road. In the meantime, Perbix could be a great insurance policy for Colorado.

Derek Forbort

Derek Forbort emerged as a stop-gap solution for the Vancouver Canucks this season. He hit the ice for 54 games, chipping in 11 points. His minus-7 rating is a little deceiving as the Canucks had a disappointing year across the board.

With a coaching change in Vancouver, the chances of him staying could be higher than before. However, Forbort, as a journeyman blue liner, could be swayed to move with a two or three-year deal.

Now, before anyone winces at the idea, Forbort signed a one-year deal for $1.5 million this past season. I think the Avs can get that cap hit down lower on a multi-year deal.

If so, Forbort’s presence on the left side could be a good option to partner with Sam Malinski on the bottom pair. I’m thinking of a platoon situation featuring a combination of Keaton Middleton and Forbort taking turns with Malinski.

If Erik Johnson doesn’t retire, Johnson, Forbort, and Middleton could rotate among the sixth and seventh defenseman spots, leaving room for an eighth defenseman depending on the team’s needs.

It’s worth pointing out that the Avs will need to re-sign Malinski. In my estimation, that’s something the team needs to get done sooner rather than later. But if Malinski isn’t back for some reason, the Avs will be in the market for bottom-pairing guys who can carry the load for a full season.