While the Stanley Cup Final is still underway between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, the offseason has already commenced for the majority of NHL franchises.
The Colorado Avalanche have made an early move on their offseason agenda by re-signing one of their key upcoming free agents. The team announced they have signed veteran forward Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension.
The new deal carries an annual average value (AAV) of $7.5 million.
Nelson was acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline this past season from the New York Islanders. The price for the forward included Calum Ritchie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, a conditional 2026 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 third-round pick.
Official NHL free agency opens on July 1st at 12 p.m. ET. However, many teams aim to extend their existing players or make trades beforehand.
The upcoming free agent class is expected to be strong, potentially featuring players like Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett and defenseman Aaron Ekblad, Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, and Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene.
Avalanche Secure Key Forward
By signing this extension, the Avalanche retain a significant player who was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Since joining Colorado, Nelson tallied 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 19 regular-season games. For the full season, his combined statistics with both the Islanders and Avalanche were 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists). In the playoffs, he recorded four assists during the team`s first-round series loss to the Dallas Stars.
Nelson is expected to continue centering the Avalanche`s second line, potentially playing alongside Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.
Nelson will turn 34 years old around the start of the 2025-26 season this fall.
Elton Marrow