As the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers is underway, the offseason has officially begun for the remaining National Hockey League franchises.
The Colorado Avalanche have promptly addressed a key item on their offseason agenda by securing one of their top impending free agents. Veteran forward Brock Nelson has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the team, reportedly carrying an annual value of $7.5 million.
Nelson was acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline this past season from the New York Islanders. The transaction involved sending forward Calum Ritchie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, a conditional first-round pick in 2026, and a conditional third-round pick in 2028 to the Islanders.
Official NHL free agency commences on July 1st at 12 p.m. ET, but teams often proactively work to extend players already on their roster or complete trades before this date.
The upcoming summer is expected to see prominent players available on the open market, potentially including Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett and defenseman Aaron Ekblad, Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, and Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene.
By signing Nelson to this extension, the Avalanche ensure that a significant player remains with the club rather than becoming an unrestricted free agent. His new three-year deal has an average annual value of $7.5 million.
Since joining Colorado after the trade from the Islanders, Nelson recorded 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) across 19 regular-season games. He concluded the season with a combined total of 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) between his time with both teams. In the playoffs, he registered four assists during the team`s first-round series loss against the Dallas Stars. Nelson is anticipated to continue his role centering the Avalanche`s second line, potentially skating alongside Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.
Nelson is set to celebrate his 34th birthday around the commencement of the 2025-26 season this fall.
