The Colorado Avalanche are entering an offseason filled with uncertainty regarding player contracts, particularly around Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas. With limited cap space, they need to prioritize signing young defenseman Sam Malinski while managing expectations about potential roster changes. Some speculate that the organization isn't feeling the pressure to make drastic moves, despite outside perceptions suggesting otherwise. They value their roster depth, especially at center, and are assessing their needs cautiously.

Furthermore, the Avalanche traded for Ryan Lindgren, hinting at a potential interest in bolstering their defense. Despite rumors swirling, they seem confident in their current lineup, choosing to evaluate player performance before making significant changes.

The Montreal Canadiens are contemplating a reunion with Jonathan Drouin as he nears unrestricted free agency after a season with the Colorado Avalanche. Analyst Jeremy Tingly suggests that Drouin could enhance the Canadiens' forward lineup, potentially returning to his roots after a challenging tenure in Montreal. The forward, who tallied 37 points in 43 games last season, previously struggled under the pressures of playing in his home province. With the Habs projected to be an up-and-coming team, Drouin's return could provide both opportunity and risk, especially considering the expectations he faced during his prior six seasons with the team.

As Drouin approaches free agency with a projected salary demand of $5.9 million annually, other teams such as the Winnipeg Jets and Los Angeles Kings are also in the mix. Nonetheless, Drouin's experience and veteran presence could be pivotal for the Canadiens as they look to build a stronger, younger roster heading into the next season. His unique story and past struggles might resonate with fans as he considers his next career move.

The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for an offseason marked by significant roster changes, particularly focusing on their six pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs). With $8.7 million in projected salary cap space and 18 players already under contract, the team faces tough decisions. Brock Nelson, acquired for top prospect Calum Ritchie, is a key target but may prefer to join his hometown team in Minnesota. Jonathan Drouin's injury-plagued season may not earn him a high-value deal, while Ryan Lindgren’s current salary could be beyond the Avs’ budget. Other potential losses include veteran Erik Johnson, whose future remains uncertain, alongside depth players like Joel Kiviranta and Jimmy Vesey.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are also navigating a challenging offseason with GM Stan Bowman needing to address several questions. Viktor Arvidsson's performance alongside Leon Draisaitl has raised eyebrows, while the team considers the future of older players like Corey Perry. Keeping Connor Brown and Trent Frederic could be pivotal decisions, along with evaluating young talents Matt Savoie and Noah Philp for roster spots.

The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a precarious situation as they head into Game 4 against the Florida Panthers, leading the series 2-1 despite the absence of their starting goaltender, Anthony Stolarz. Since exiting Game 1 due to a likely concussion, Stolarz, who recorded a 21-8-3 record with excellent stats during the regular season, has not resumed skating. Reports suggest that his return during this series is doubtful, creating a significant concern for the Leafs.

Backup Joseph Woll has stepped up in Stolarz's absence, but his performance has been inconsistent. Allowing 11 goals on 84 shots gives him an .869 save percentage, which raises eyebrows going into a crucial matchup. Meanwhile, the Panthers' offensive stars, particularly Brad Marchand, Carter Verhaeghe, and Aleksander Barkov, have found success against Woll, showcasing an urgent need for the Leafs to tighten their defensive strategy.

Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche faced a disappointing end to their playoff run, falling short against the Dallas Stars just minutes away from advancing. With the offseason approaching, the Avalanche face critical decisions regarding their roster and management. General manager Chris MacFarland's ambitious changes during the season have not yielded the desired results, and questions arise about potential coaching changes, particularly concerning Jared Bednar's future. The team must also address key positions, including the crucial No. 2 center role, with Brock Nelson emerging as a top free agent option. Meanwhile, the status of captain Gabe Landeskog remains uncertain following his limited play due to injuries, and the future of Jonathan Drouin hangs in the balance amid a disappointing second season with the Avs.