NHL Rumors: Avalanche Defenseman Heading Back to Ducks

Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic swung and missed on trading for Claude Giroux last season and then quickly turned his attention to his blue line. Sakic added rugged defender Josh Manson from the Anaheim Ducks, in a move that worked out perfectly for the Avs as Manson was a big piece of their defense on route to winning the Stanley Cup. Turns out he may be a one and done.

If reports are true that Josh Manson really wants to go back to Anaheim, my question would be: why? I suppose it’s family reasons and that would be fine. It certainly wouldn’t be because of the chance to win another Cup anytime soon though. But that’s the biz
— Adrian Dater (@adater) July 4, 2022

Manson has been contacted by the Avs letting them know they would love to have him back. He's also expected to hear from the LA Kings about a contract offer, but at the end of the day it sounds like priority one is to head back to the Ducks.

Anaheim continues to be in rebuild mode so some are a bit surprised he'd consider heading back to the hockey club after experiencing what it's like to win the ultimate prize. The Ducks have a ton of cap space to work with, so they surely can make a contract work if both parties are interested. As for the Avs, Sakic has a ton of work to do with a long list of free agents and Nathan MacKinnon who is set to hit free agency next summer. We'll have to wait and see where Colorado's priorities lie as the market opens next week.

Josh Manson BROUGHT. IT. in the playoffs. Now it's just a question of whether the Avs will be able to re-sign their trade deadline acquisition...@Jackie_Redmond | @KenDaneykoMSG | @EJHradek_NHL | #NHLNow pic.twitter.com/0zgrWYqY8B
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) July 2, 2022