The Colorado Avalanche targeting Matt Grzelcyk this late in the offseason would be surprising—mainly because they’re not in a position to target anyone.
While the Avalanche do have a clear need for a left-handed defenseman, the team’s current salary cap situation renders any significant additions improbable. With just over $1.3 million in available cap space, the financial reality is stark. Considering that Grzelcyk earned $2.75 million in his most recent contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins and is coming
off a career-best season, expecting him to accept a substantial pay cut is highly unrealistic.
Grzelcyk recorded career highs last season with 39 assists and 40 points. The 31-year-old, selected 85th overall in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, also completed his first full 82-game regular season campaign last year. Given these accomplishments, Grzelcyk is likely seeking a more lucrative contract. However, this may partially explain why he remains unsigned. As demonstrated by the recent Joel Kiviranta contract saga, a standout single season does not necessarily translate into substantial financial commitment from teams. Sustained performance is what leads to the bigger paydays. Grzelcyk is not quite there yet, so as we speak, he’s on the outside looking in.
Colorado’s Stanley Cup window remains open. While the team addressed its goaltending concerns—an issue that arguably should never have arisen—the core roster continues to inspire confidence. Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Marty Nečas (for as long as he remains with the team), and Devon Toews provide a formidable foundation. Additionally, Gabriel Landeskog returns for his first full season in over three years, and his playoff performance demonstrated that he hasn’t quite lost an inch. Brock Nelson, entering his second season with Colorado under a fresh contract, adds further stability and depth, although some would argue there was a solid overpay that came with that. However, for those on the media grind, the 2C stories can mercifully rest for the time being. The team also has a healthy Valeri Nichushkin to look forward to. Perhaps there isn’t room for any significant additions.
Not Much We Can Do, Chief!
Nonetheless, notable gaps remain on the roster, and at present, there is little flexibility to address them. The most viable path to improvement lies through the trade market—a route that, as recent history has shown, has yielded mixed results at best. Should the Avalanche choose to make another all-in push, one can only hope the cost doesn’t once again outweigh the return.
Looking ahead, much of the team’s flexibility hinges on the decision surrounding Nečas. Should he remain unsigned, it’s likely that the Avalanche roster is effectively set heading into the season.
While the addition of a left-handed defenseman like Grzelcyk would certainly bolster the blue line, the harsh reality is that it’s not feasible.
