The Colorado Avalanche are in a favorable position this offseason with approximately $9.7 million in salary cap space, following recent trades involving Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. Internal candidates for roster spots provide flexibility as the team reassesses key players, including captain Gabe Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. The Avalanche could adopt a different approach by waiting for the free-agent market to stabilize before making moves, potentially allowing them to avoid being cap-strapped early in the season.

Targeting a No. 3 center and a defenseman remains crucial. Adding players at the trade deadline may offer more value and allow the team to optimize its playoff roster. General Manager Chris MacFarland emphasizes patience, suggesting that it might be more beneficial to wait for bargains rather than overpaying in the frenzy of free agency.