The Colorado Avalanche faced a challenging end to their playoff run, bowing out to the Dallas Stars in the first round after a hard-fought seven-game series. This outcome has prompted the front office to reassess their roster and aim for improvement this offseason. With a solid core still in place, the team is looking to add key contributors to enhance their chances of returning to championship contention, especially after trading away star player Mikko Rantanen.

Despite a quiet start to the offseason, NHL insider Chris Johnston suggests the Avalanche may still be active in the trade market. Colorado struggled defensively in the postseason, and with rumors swirling around star Martin Nečas, the Avalanche may look to bolster their blue line to ensure they remain competitive next season.

The Colorado Avalanche have recently reshaped their roster in unexpected ways, highlighted primarily by the controversial trade sending Mikko Rantanen to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Martin Nečas and Jack Drury. General Manager Chris MacFarland's decision aimed to facilitate Nečas’s potential alongside star player Nathan MacKinnon, especially considering his impressive performance with 11 goals and 28 points in 30 games. However, Nečas's future in Colorado is uncertain, especially with his contract set to expire after the next season and questions surrounding his consistency in goal-scoring.

This trade has sparked conversation about the Avalanche's long-term strategy, particularly in light of the looming free agency of top defenseman Cale Makar, who is expected to command a significant salary that could affect the team's cap space. Nečas's performance this season will be crucial not only for his future but also for the Avalanche's assessment of the Rantanen trade, further complicating decisions as they approach the trade deadline.

The Carolina Hurricanes have secured former Dallas Stars forward Logan Stankoven with an eight-year contract extension worth $6 million annually, starting in the 2026-27 season. This follows his acquisition from Dallas in exchange for star forward Mikko Rantanen during the previous season's trade deadline.

Stankoven, now 22, demonstrated impressive potential with 38 points during the 2024-25 season across both teams, notably tying for second among NHL rookies in game-winning goals. His performance in the playoffs further highlighted his talent, contributing five goals and three assists in 15 games for Carolina. General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed enthusiasm about Stankoven's commitment, emphasizing his integral role in the future of the franchise.

The landscape of NHL free agency has shifted dramatically with a slew of recent signings, including 15 players securing contracts worth $5 million or more.

As the Colorado Avalanche prepares for free agency, they have some cap flexibility, but they won’t be engaging in bidding wars for top-tier talent. Instead, they may look to fill roster holes through strategic trades and signings of less prominent players.

Notably, Colorado has several players entering free agency, including Jonathan Drouin and Erik Johnson, while also announcing a four-year extension for Parker Kelly that kicks in during the 2026-27 season.

The Dallas Stars have made a significant coaching change by reappointing Glen Gulutzan as their head coach, bringing him back after a 12-year absence from the role. Gulutzan's tenure will begin following the dismissal of Pete DeBoer, who led the team to three consecutive Western Conference Finals but faced criticism for the team's playoff performances against the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers. Gulutzan, who was an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers, inherits a talented roster, including star winger Mikko Rantanen, who recently extended his contract for eight years at $96 million.

During his previous stint with the Stars from 2011 to 2013, Gulutzan struggled to lead the team to the playoffs, but he has built a solid coaching resume since then, including a successful run in Calgary and a robust relationship with Connor McDavid in Edmonton. As Dallas looks to finally secure the elusive Stanley Cup, Gulutzan's experience and familiarity with the organization could be pivotal in shaping the team's future direction.