Colorado Avalanche Prospects in the AHL Devon Toews [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk3NzM3NDk1NTk5Nzg1MjYx/usatsi_20544965.jpg] Devon Toews The Colorado Avalanche's disappointing end to their efforts to defend their 2022 Stanley Cup championship has some pundits wondering what their roster will look like next season. CapFriendly [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/avalanche]indicates the Avalanche has $13.35 million in projected cap space for 2023-24 with 12 roster regulars under contract. Second-line center J.T. Compher and defenseman Erik Johnson are slated to become UFAs on July 1. Meanwhile, blueliner Bowen Byram and forward Alex Newhook need raises coming off their entry-level contracts. The Avalanche could get $7 million in salary-cap wiggle room next season if captain Gabriel Landeskog's nagging knee injury sidelines him for another season. However, they could still be forced to shed some salary if re-signing or replacing their key free agents proves more expensive than expected, especially if the salary cap remains flattened next season. Bennett Durando of The Denver Post [https://www.denverpost.com/2023/05/02/avalanche-landeskog-offseason-free-agents-nichushkin/] pondered Devon Toews' future in Colorado. The 29-year-old defenseman carries a $4.1-million cap hit and is eligible next summer for UFA status. Durando wondered if management would open contract extension talks this summer, attempt to clear some salary to make room for his new contract or consider trading him. If they retain Toews, they might have to ship out Samuel Girard. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/now-or-never-erik-karlssons-trade-value-will-likely-never-be-higher-for-the-san-jose-sharks] has the 24-year-old blueliner sitting at No. 3 on his listing of this off-season's top trade targets. The Avalanche have resisted moving Girard, who's signed through 2026-27 with an annual cap hit of $5 million. However, they might not have much choice this time if forced to free up cap room this summer.
