3 Free-Agent Targets for the Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche were dealt some brutal news earlier this week as captain Gabriel Landeskog will likely miss the entire 2023-24 season after undergoing knee surgery. The Avs will have some more resources to use this summer when it comes to free agents and are likely to target a number of forwards to help place Landeskog's production:

Sean Monahan

The one who may make the most sense for Colorado, Sean Monahan is versatile to play center or the wing and could be signed by the Avs this summer. The veteran forward spent this season with the Montreal Canadiens and wasn't able to stay healthy for the entire year. Monahan finished with 17 points in 25 games and is likely headed for a 'show me' contract which usually means a one-year deal around $3 million. 

Jonathan Drouin

A reunion in store for Jonathan Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon? Perhaps as Drouin hits the open market and could be of interest to the Avs. Him and MacKinnon played junior hockey together in Halifax and were unstoppable at times. Sure the NHL is much different but this could be the type of spark Drouin needs to revitalize his career. He only scored twice last season, finishing with 29 points in 58 games. At only 28 years old, he's looking to prove himself and like Monahan is likely heading for a one-year contract.

Ryan O'Reilly

It's hard to say what's going to happen with Ryan O'Reilly this summer. He's loving his time in Toronto with the Maple Leafs, however at this point who knows if he'll be re-signing. The Leafs don't have a ton of cap space but a team-friendly deal could be worked out. If not and the Factor hits the open market, look for the Avalanche to have a tremendous amount of interest and considering O'Reilly enjoyed his time in Colorado the feeling could be mutual. Nine points in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games so far for the Maple Leafs, nobody can say they're surprised.

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