3 Colorado Avalanche Who Won't Be Back Next Season: Post Trade Deadline Fallout

The Colorado Avalanche really went for it at this year's trade deadline, acquiring a number of useful pieces to fill their lineup, some of which are likely just rentals. There will have to be some changes in the offseason due to cap constraints and creating a better roster. Here's a look at three players who won't be back next season.

Brock Nelson

Brock Nelson was a good addition for the Avalanche, but they won't be able to afford him. The veteran center will be able to either get more money or more term than what the Avalanche could offer in the midst of a Stanley Cup window. The New York Islanders reportedly offered him $7.5 million AAV for three years and then ended up trading him, so we know how those talks went. They have a lot of solid players already signed and even with the cap going up, the team needs to make other signings, not just Nelson.

Jimmy Vesey

Jimmy Vesey is one of those depth pieces that just hasn't been great this season, He played most of the season with the New York Rangers, and has played one game with Colorado, but the Avalanche can do with not keeping him around. He was just a depth add ahead of the trade deadline incase injuries were to pile up like in years past, but there's no need to re-sign him when there's other options that are younger and have more potential.

Erik Johnson

Bringing back Erik Johnson for one more run was a nice gesture. He won't play all of the games, but he will be a part of the success if some comes for Colorado in the playoffs. He is a decent depth piece to bring in at a cheap cost, but he is 36, well past his prime, and will be a UFA after the season. The roster will be full of seven defensemen better than Johnson, so he won't be returning to the lineup once again.