The Colorado Avalanche have some work to do this offseason if they want to get back to contending for a Stanley Cup. After two straight early playoff exits, Colorado's front office has to figure out the roster.
The Avalanche lost Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline, and the Colorado offense wasn't the same. So one of the priorities this summer has to be to bring in more firepower.
The upcoming free agent class has a few good options for the Avalanche to consider, and one name specifically sticks out. NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report named the Avalanche as a potential landing spot for upcoming free agent Brad Marchand.
"This would take some creativity on the part of the Avalanche, because they would need to clear out some salary-cap space. But it would make a lot of sense. Or at least some sense. For one, Colorado needs some more scoring depth to help out Nathan MacKinnon, especially after trading Mikko Rantanen ahead of this year's trade deadline....the Avalanche have to be facing some pressure to make a deep playoff run after first-round exits in two of the past three seasons. Somebody with Marchand's playoff track record could be intriguing to them."
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) and right wing Mitch Marner (16) defend Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2025 ...
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Adding Marchand to this roster could help Colorado get back to competing for the title. This team isn't too far removed from winning the Stanley Cup, and bringing in a player like Marchand could help elevate them once again.
Marchand steps up when the lights are brightest, and the Avalanche could use his services. Through 20 playoff games this year for the Florida Panthers, Marchand has scored eight goals and 10 assists.
Salary issues would be the biggest problem with any Marchand deal, but Colorado could look to do a sign-and-trade with Florida. It remains to be seen how active the Avalanche will be in the Marchand sweepstakes, but his presence on the team could help bring another title to Colorado.
