The Colorado Avalanche are keeping busy this offseason, making significant moves on the draft's second day and eyeing potential additions in free agency. Joe Sakic, the mastermind behind Colorado's recent success, is not resting on his laurels. With Valeri Nichushkin's departure leaving a gap, Sakic is on the hunt for the right fit to keep the Avalanche competitive.
Starting with the draft, the Avalanche were active, adding nine new prospects to their ranks. They kicked things off by selecting Egor Shilov, a forward known for his skill and potential to make an impact. This trend of prioritizing skill continued throughout their picks, as they focused on adding talented players to their pipeline.
In addition to the draft, Sakic orchestrated a minor trade, sending Ivan Ivan to acquire another player with first-round pedigree from 2021. This marks the third such acquisition this week, demonstrating Sakic's strategic approach to building a robust roster.
Meanwhile, the NHL is buzzing with news beyond Colorado. In Detroit, Steve Yzerman addressed the media for the first time regarding Dylan Larkin's trade request.
The situation appears tense, with reports suggesting a less-than-amicable split between Larkin and the Red Wings. Despite the drama, there seems to be little movement on the trade front for Larkin.
Over in Boston, GM Don Sweeney discussed the aftermath of trading Fabian Lysell, shedding light on the decision-making process behind the move.
And in Carolina, the rights to John Carlson have been acquired from the Anaheim Ducks, adding another layer of intrigue to the offseason maneuvers across the league.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes are on Sakic and the Avalanche to see who they'll target in free agency to fill Nichushkin's shoes. With the draft and trades already stirring excitement, the free agency period promises to be just as thrilling for Avalanche fans.
In Other News...
Joe Sakic Just Sent Another Jolt Through The Avalanche Roster
The Avalanche kept the offseason moving in a big way around the 2026 NHL Draft, adding nine players while Joe Sakic continued to reshape the roster through a string of moves. Colorado also dealt Ivan Ivan to the Boston Bruins for Fabian Lysell, another sign the front office is still trying to balance short-term roster stability with longer-term upside.
Brent Burns coming back for another season added a familiar veteran layer to the mix, but the larger picture is still very much in motion. With Sakic active in the market and the Avalanche making multiple deals, the roster looks far from finished, and the next move could say a lot about how Colorado sees its window right now. [Read more 🡒]
Avalanche Just Made A Makar Move Fans Will Want To See
The Avalanche kept a familiar name in the fold by signing forward Taylor Makar to a two-year contract that runs through the 2027-28 season. It is the latest step in a first full professional year that saw him move between Colorado and the Colorado Eagles, with the 2025-26 season giving him a taste of both NHL and AHL duty as he worked his way into the organizations plans.
Makars background already gives the deal extra interest around the team. The younger brother of defenseman Cale Makar came to pro hockey after college stops at the University of Maine and UMass-Amherst, and his development has been watched closely ever since he entered the Avalanche system. His first year also carried him into a meaningful spring run with the Eagles, which only adds to the sense that Colorado sees a player worth keeping close as his next chapter begins. [Read more 🡒]
Another Avalanche Linked Pick Just Took An Unexpected New Turn
A pick tied to Colorados draft future has already taken on a different look after a fresh move in Vancouver. Nashville added winger Nils Hglander from the Canucks for a third-round pick in 2029, giving the Predators another young piece to sort into their lineup while Vancouver picked up draft capital and some cap relief.
For Avalanche fans, the wrinkle is less about where Hglander landed than how a previously connected asset keeps changing hands. Hglander is under contract through the 2027-28 season, and the move gives Nashville a player whose recent season was shaped by an ankle injury and a steep dip in production after a more productive year before that, making this one of those deals that could still look very different down the road. [Read more 🡒]