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Avalanche Sign D Ryan Murray; Is A Forward Next? |
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Against my better judgment, I do read the comments on these blogs and if there's one thing I gathered from recent blogs, it's that you guys aren't overly thrilled with the roster as currently constructed.
I did some peeking around and it seems like the Colorado Avalanche is still looking to add a couple of pieces whether it's via free agency or other means.
Since the free agency window opened there have been a record number of signing with a total dollar amount approaching $1 billion dollars handed out. It's been a ton of fun and allows us as fans to bear witness to the growing strength of the NHL as a league.
However, the Avs are one of the few teams that haven't made much of a splash in this robust market - until now.
On Monday the Avs added former first-round pick, defenseman Ryan Murray, to the mix. The 27-year-old signs a one-year $2 Million dollar deal to join a legit Cup contender.
Murray had 14 assists in 48 games with the Devils last season. He was a steadying force and a bright spot on a relatively weak NJ defense. The Blue Jackets drafted him 2nd overall in 2012, but injuries plagued Murray throughout his career and he never lived up to the high pick. When he's healthy he is a very good defender.
So basically they swapped Ryan Graves for Ryan Murray. Not sure that makes anybody feel better but it's something.
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In addition, the losses of Brandon Saad and Joonas Donskoi definitely weakened Colorado upfront. Sakic doesn't have much cap room to work with after the Murray addition, but it's been suggested that Tomas Tatar could be one player that makes sense for the Avs.
Tatar, 30, is still available and considered one of the best remaining UFA's on the market. He's coming off of a down season with Montreal, but he is a five-time 20 goal scorer with a career-high of 29 in 2014-15 (DET). He's had some recent success as well with a career-high 61 points in 68 games with the Habs in 2019-20. This guy can still chip in offensively and would be a nice addition to Colorado's top-6.
TheFourthPeriod.com believes Sakic has already reached out to Tatar to gauge his interest. Realistically, that may be as far as it goes.
Tatar has his pick of potential suitors and all of them should be able to offer more money and term than the Avs can. It's believed he's looking for a multi-year deal in the $3-4 million range.
However, what Tatar wants, he may not get. Tatar's value is at an all-time low and the Avs COULD benefit from that. BUT...if Colorado has a chance, Tatar would have to want to take an even smaller deal for a chance to win now. Possible - not likely though.
There are other players out there, but Tatar is the only one I've heard linked to Colorado. What other options would you guys be interested in?
Thanks for reading,
Steve
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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