3 UFAs Colorado Avalanche Need To Re-Sign

The Colorado Avalanche were knocked out of the first round after winning their division and winning the Stanley Cup last season. They suffered far too many injuries this season that they couldn't overcome, but have the personnel to come back stronger next year and be considered a favourite once again.

J.T. Compher

The Avalanche didn't really know what to do when they lost Nazem Kadri, their second line center, in free agency last summer, so they elected to give a few players the opportunity to claim that spot. It was between J.T. Compher, Evan Rodrigues, and Alex Newhook.

Newhook wasn't ready while Rodrigues was busy filling in on the wing for the injured Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Compher took that role and was integral to the success of the team, logging well over 20 minutes a night. He may not have been a point-per-game player like the team got from Kadri the season prior, but Compher did his job well and provided great value for what his contract was. He will likely get a bigger payday this summer, but the Avalanche are familiar with him and know what he can provide. Plus there aren't a ton of great options in free agency this offseason.

Andrew Cogliano

Andrew Cogliano is a veteran leader and glue guy in the locker room for the Avalanche. The 35-year-old is a solid bottom-six player that provided the team with 10 goals and 19 points, while being used a lot on the penalty kill. He will cost league-minimum to keep, but the Avalanche lack depth and he has proven he can provide some.

Evan Rodrigues

Rodrigues, like Compher, provided a lot to the Avalanche for what he was being paid. After a very strong start to 2021-22 in a big role, he regressed once the Pittsburgh Penguins got healthy. This led to a cheaper and late deal being struck with the Avalanche and he was once again given the opportunity to play higher up in the lineup because of the injuries. He put up 16 goals and 39 points in 69 games and seeing how Colorado's roster can never stay healthy, keeping Rodrigues would be very beneficial.