Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was placed in Stage 3 of the NHL Players Assistance Program on the day of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche are likely to make changes to their bottom six this offseason. Andrew Cogliano, Brandon Duhaime, Yakov Trenin, and Joel Kiviranta are all depth forwards who could hit the open market. Jonathan Drouin, who found a nice home in the Avalanche's top six, will also become an unrestricted free agent if the club does not re-sign him by July 1. Given the Avalanche's current cap situation, the Central Division club will probably target bargain players for their bottom six. When looking at this year's free agency class, one player who should grab their attention is Boston Bruins winger James van Riemsdyk. van Riemsdyk, 35, quietly had a solid season for the Bruins in 2023-24. In 71 games, the 2007 second-overall pick posted 11 goals, 38 points, and a plus-7 rating. When noting that he only signed for $1 million, he proved to be a valuable depth addition for Boston. He could be the very same for Colorado. James van Riemsdyk [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2ODMzMDExNzMwMTYyNzM5/usatsi_23107617.jpg] James van Riemsdyk van Riemsdyk is 15 years and 1,011 games into his NHL career. He has yet to lift the Stanley Cup, so it is possible that he would be open to the idea of signing with a true contender like the Avalanche. If the Avalanche signed van Riemsdyk, he would be an option for their third line. In addition, he would be a solid addition to their second power-play unit because of his strong net-front presence ability. Ultimately, with the Avalanche needing more forward depth, they could consider a veteran like JVR. At a cheap cap hit, he could be a worthwhile addition to an Avalanche team that could use a bit more secondary production. RECENT AVALANCHE NEWS 'Massive piece of our on-ice puzzle': How the loss of Valeri Nichushkin impacts the Avalanche [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/how-the-loss-of-valeri-nichushkin-impacts-the-avalanche] Former Avalanche forward knocks out Canada [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/former-avalanche-forward-knocks-out-canada] Avalanche should target Ducks all-star forward [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/avalanche-should-target-ducks-all-star-forward] 'It’s a great place to play hockey': Forward found home with Avalanche, hopes to return next season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/forward-found-home-with-avalanche-hopes-to-return-next-season]
