Colorado Avalanche face defensive depth challenges with four UFA defensemen and tight cap space
By
Corey Masisak
Summary
The Colorado Avalanche have a strong top-four defense corps in place (Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Manson, and breakout player Sam Malinski) but face an offseason challenge as their next four defensemen on the depth chart are all unrestricted free agents. With limited salary cap space even after trading Ross Colton, the team must navigate the free agent market to fill out their defensive roster.
Source
bskyColorado Avalanche face defensive depth challenges with four UFA defensemen and tight cap spacedenverpost.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe good news for the Colorado Avalanche is the most important pieces of a strong defense corps are already in place.
Given the breakout season from Sam Malinski in 2025-26, the Avs begin the offseason with a top four of Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Manson and Malinski.
The less good news is the next four guys on the depth chart are all unrestricted free agents and the Avs are still pretty tight on salary cap space even after trading Ross Colton.
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