On March 1, the NHL begins roster building for the 2024-25 season, with future contracts signed and registered. The Colorado Avalanche, currently at 47 of their allotted 50 contracts, will make decisions regarding their development system players. With the trade deadline approaching, many deserving players will have the opportunity to solidify their opportunities.
The Avalanche should reward Calum Ritchie for an excellent season in the OHL after shoulder surgery. A contract is required for his NHL debut, and early signing bonuses could reduce salary cap hits. Ritchie is one of the few remaining non-NCAA path 2023 first round picks without a NHL deal.
Jeremy Hanzel, a 2023 sixth round pick defenseman, is set to be a key player for the Avalanche. With no junior eligibility left after this season, Hanzel is ready for pro hockey and needs an ELC and AHL job in the fall. If not, he could be offered an AHL contract, similar to Brandon Saigeon’s situation.
Ivan Ivan, a breakout AHL contractee for the Colorado Eagles, is in a critical contract position for the Avalanche. Colorado has no ownership of Ivan’s rights, and if not signed, he may look for other opportunities. His agent, Allan Walsh, suggests there may not be enough interest.
Defenseman Sean Behrens, currently playing his junior season with Denver, is expected to sign a contract after his season ends, potentially until April after the Frozen Four. If offered a NHL contract, Behrens could be a valuable trade chip for the Avalanche.
NCAA prospects Taylor Makar, Andrei Buyalsky, and Colby Ambrosio may leave school early for NHL contracts, but it’s not expected. The wild cards in this process are Russians whose KHL contract year ends in May, with Mikhail Gulyayev potentially signing a NHL contract. Maros Jedlicka, a seventh-round pick, injured his shoulder in Avalanche training camp and may be headed to a contract signing. NCAA free agents are also an interest for the Avalanche organization.
