Josh Manson has signed a two-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, solidifying his place on the team after a challenging season filled with injuries that limited him to just 48 games. In those games, the 33-year-old defenseman contributed a goal and 14 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability. His playoff performance was notable, as he recorded two goals and an assist in seven games. Manson, who has one season left on his previous contract, has a career total of 626 regular-season games, totaling 39 goals and 131 assists.

The Colorado Avalanche have secured defenseman Josh Manson with a two-year contract extension through the end of the 2027-28 season. Although financial details remain undisclosed, Manson has established himself as a valuable asset for the team. Over three seasons with the Avalanche, he has contributed 57 points and delivered 443 hits across 173 games. Manson's role in helping the Avs clinch the Stanley Cup in 2022 cannot be overlooked, as he posted three goals and five assists in 20 playoff appearances. General Manager Chris MacFarland emphasized Manson's importance, highlighting his status as a steady defender and veteran leader within the locker room. In his 11-season NHL career, Manson has accumulated 39 goals and 131 assists.

Josh Manson has secured his future with the Colorado Avalanche, signing a two-year contract extension that keeps him with the team through the 2027-28 season. This deal adds to the final year of his prior four-year contract, which sees him earning $4.5 million in 2025-26. After missing significant time last season due to injury, Manson remains a pivotal presence on the blue line, second only to Cale Makar in productivity. His contributions were crucial during the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup run, where he set career highs in goals and points.

General manager Chris MacFarland praised Manson as a vital defender and a veteran leader, emphasizing his importance to the team's defensive strategy and locker room presence. His playoff performance against the Dallas Stars this past season, scoring three points in seven games, showcased his offensive capabilities. Manson's physicality also stands out, having delivered the most hits for the Avalanche since joining the team.

Expectations surrounding Zakhar Bardakov are on the rise as the Avalanche prepare for the upcoming season. The Avalanche's general manager has expressed enthusiasm about Bardakov's potential, noting his impressive performance in the KHL, where he nearly doubled his career-high points tally last season. This has led to speculation about whether he can earn a spot on the NHL roster, especially as the team looks to solidify its depth in the bottom six.

With several roster spots available, competition during training camp is expected to be fierce. Bardakov's playing style is compared to that of Miles Wood, highlighting his ability to create chaos on the ice. As the Avalanche navigate their roster decisions, Bardakov's performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given the potential for him to leapfrog other contenders from the Eagles.

Four players from the University of North Dakota (UND) and a future recruit have received invitations to participate in the U.S. World Junior Championship Summer Showcase, scheduled for July 25 to August 2 at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis. Among the invitees are sophomore defenseman E.J. Emery, sophomore forward Mac Swanson, freshman defenseman Sam Laurila, and freshman forward Will Zellers, alongside goalie recruit Caleb Heil. The showcase will feature teams from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden competing in 11 games.

Notably, Gophers head coach Bob Motzko will lead Team USA at the World Junior Championship, which runs from December 26 to January 5. Emery, a highly regarded defenseman and a New York Rangers first-round pick, made last season’s preliminary roster but was ultimately cut. His selection this time highlights his growth as a top shutdown defender. The anticipation of seeing these players compete at this level fuels excitement among fans and scouts, particularly as the U.S. looks to defend its gold medal.