BREAKING NEWS: NHL Rumours: Colorado Avalanche Salary Cap Crunch is increase from……. view more

BREAKING NEWS: Colorado Avalanche Salary Cap Crunch Intensifies

The Colorado Avalanche are facing a significant salary cap challenge as they prepare for the 2025–26 NHL season. With the NHL’s salary cap projected to rise from $88 million to $95.5 million, the Avalanche’s cap situation remains tight, especially after recent roster changes.

Current Cap Situation

As of the latest projections, the Avalanche have approximately $8.2 million in cap space for the 2025–26 season. This figure accounts for 18 of the 25 roster spots being filled, leaving limited flexibility to address remaining needs.

Key Roster Changes

• Mikko Rantanen Trade: The Avalanche traded star forward Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Martin Necas and Jack Drury. This move freed up significant cap space, with Necas signed at $6.5 million and Drury at $1.75 million.
• Ryan Lindgren Acquisition: Colorado acquired defenseman Ryan Lindgren from the New York Rangers, with the Rangers retaining half of his $4.5 million salary. This addition bolsters the defensive lineup without straining the cap.

Pending Free Agents

The Avalanche have several key players entering free agency:

• Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs): Jonathan Drouin, Joel Kiviranta, Oliver Kylington, and Calvin de Haan.
• Restricted Free Agents (RFAs): Sam Malinski and Juuso Parssinen.(

Negotiating new contracts for these players will require careful cap management.

Long-Term Injuries Impact

The uncertain status of Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin adds complexity to the cap situation. Landeskog’s potential return from long-term injury reserve could provide an additional $7 million in cap space, while Nichushkin’s suspension leaves his $6.125 million cap hit on the books without contributing to the roster.

Strategic Outlook

General Manager Chris MacFarland faces a challenging offseason, balancing the need to re-sign key players, manage long-term injuries, and navigate the evolving salary cap landscape. The projected cap increases to $104 million in 2026–27 and $113.5 million in 2027–28 offer some relief, but immediate decisions will shape the team’s competitiveness in the short term.

The Avalanche’s ability to maneuver within the salary cap constraints will be crucial as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Western Conference.