Colorado Hockey Team triumphs in latest game
Puckin' News: A Fresh Take on the Avalanche's Latest Moves
The Avalanche's recent decision to keep Brock Nelson onboard meant bidding adieu to at least one teammate, and that unlucky soul turned out to be Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. The team made another big move of the offseason Friday, shipping Coyle and Wood off to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
This move might seem like a blow to the team's current forward lineup, but it offers more room for Colorado to fine-tune their roster. The Avalanche received the No. 77 pick in the 2025 NHL draft, a second-round selection in 2027, and prospect Gavin Brindley in the trade—a move that'll lighten their financial load by $7.75 million in salary cap for the upcoming season.
GM Chris MacFarland shared, "We were passionate about this '24-'25 crew, but our cap was a squeeze. This deal offers some financial relief, and we're pretty pumped about that."
With Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood off the books, the Avalanche now boasts approximately $9.725 million in cap space, ready to splash some cash on the right talents.
Initially a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL draft, Gavin Brindley instantly becomes one of the Avs' top blue-chippers, albeit in a sparse system. Brindley cracked five goals and 17 points in 52 games in the AHL last season, making him one of the youngest players in the league. Previously, he scored an impressive 25 goals and 53 points in 40 games during his sophomore year at Michigan. MacFarland describes Brindley as a high-energy, hard-working player with excellent pace.
The 2025 third-round pick adds another selection to Colorado's draft arsenal, joining their fourth- and seventh-round picks. These picks could prove valuable unexpected trade chips in the future.
An interesting side note: the Avalanche acquired Coyle in a move before last season's trade deadline, exchanging Casey Mittelstadt, prospect William Zellers, and a 2025 second-round pick for Coyle's services. Coyle excelled as Colorado's No. 3 center for the stretch run and the opening-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars.
However, with Brock Nelson's arrival, the Avalanche found themselves tight on cap space and needed to fill important depth positions. Coyle will carry a cap hit of $5.25 million in the final year of his contract in 2025-26.
Coyle meshed seamlessly with the Avalanche, tallying 13 points during the remaining regular season games. Coach Jared Bednar raved about Coyle's all-around game and versatility. Regrettably, Coyle struggled offensively against Dallas, managing just one goal and zero assists during the playoff series.
Meanwhile, Miles Wood, who signed a six-year contract with an AAV of $2.5 million before the 2023-24 season, battled a persistent back injury throughout the past season, leading to only 37 games and just four goals and eight points.
Colorado still counts on Jack Drury, Parker Kelly, Ross Colton, Ivan Ivan, and Ivan as potential options to bolster their center depth behind stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson. MacFarland also pointed to Zakhar Bardakov, a talented prospect acquired from the New Jersey Devils, as a player capable of earning a spot during training camp.
MacFarland commented, "We understand our cap situation and the holes in our roster. It's all about making the math work and scouting for opportunities to strengthen our team, including the defense." The defense, as MacFarland admitted, seems the only department that Colorado has secured for the moment. So keep your eyes peeled for more roster changes as the Avalanche gear up for the upcoming season!
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- Despite the loss of Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood, the Avalanche now have approximately $9.725 million in cap space for the upcoming season, allowing them to potentially venture into the world of sports and make significant acquisitions in the NHL.
- Gavin Brindley, the prospect procured from the Columbus Blue Jackets, quickly becomes an important asset for the Avalanche, given his youth and impressive statistics, showcasing a surge in the world of travel and hockey.
- As the Avs prepare for the upcoming season, they maintain a keen interest in hockey and sports, as they continue to seek opportunities to strengthen their team, focusing on both their roster and defense. Elections or travel seem to play minor roles in their current strategy, but unexpected trades could change the landscape in the future.
