Following a busy start to July filled with trades and player movements across the NHL, things have now quieted down, and most team rosters are finalized ahead of next week’s training camps. Although Colorado Avalanche traded away many of their previous players, including Val Nichushkin, Jack Drury, and Ross Colton, some players still changed teams during free agency. Here’s a look at where several former Avalanche players have signed since free agency opened for the 2026-27 season.
Defenseman Nick Blankenburg remained unsigned until September and was unable to secure a solid contract, but he is expected to audition for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Depth forward Joel Kiviranta did not return for a third season with Colorado; instead, he rejoined the Dallas Stars on a one-year deal worth $1 million. Similarly, Zakhar Bardakov headed back to his former team in the KHL, SKA Saint Petersburg, on a one-year contract.
Victor Olofsson, who was part of the trade that sent Nazem Kadri to Colorado, returned to the Vegas Golden Knights on a one-year deal after initially leaving as a free agent. With many of the Avalanche’s AHL affiliates’ free agents also making moves, some familiar faces from the team’s minor league roster have signed elsewhere. Jack Ahcan, who played a handful of games during the season, has joined the Nashville Predators organization. Additionally, former Avalanche affiliates Jason Polin signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, Jacob MacDonald with Washington, and Matt Stienburg secured a two-way contract with Vancouver.
Fan Take: These player movements remind fans of how fluid NHL rosters can be and highlight the ongoing talent shuffle across the league. For hockey enthusiasts, tracking these signings offers insight into how teams are rebuilding and positioning themselves for future success, making the season’s upcoming battles even more intriguing.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
