Colorado Avalanche Rumors: 3 Free Agents to Target This Offseason

Welcome to NHL Trade Rumors' 2023 Free-Agent Targets series. During it, we will be discussing three pending unrestricted free agents that each team should aim to sign.

In this latest installment, we will be focusing on the Colorado Avalanche.

Ryan O'Reilly: The Avalanche were linked to Ryan O'Reilly before his eventual move to the Toronto Maple Leafs. As a result, it does not seem too out of the question for them to pursue him during the summer if he hits the market. This is especially so when noting that they need help down the middle and J.T. Compher is a pending UFA who they could lose.

Ivan Barbashev: The Avalanche could use a boost on their third line, so Ivan Barbashev could be a player that they target this offseason. The 27-year-old plays a steady defensive game, is immensely physical, and chips in well offensively. Thus, he would be an excellent addition to the Avalanche's current group.

Connor Clifton: The Avalanche are likely to add a right-shot defenseman this summer, and Connor Clifton stands out as a perfect free-agent target for them. He has thrived playing bottom-pairing minutes with Boston this season, as he has new career highs with five goals, 16 assists, and 21 points. With that, he also plays a reliable game defensively and is never shy to throw the body around.