Avalanche strike a big deal just an hour before free agency set to begin

Just one hour before NHL free agency was set to begin on Wednesday, the Avalanche struck an important deal.

Colorado has re-signed defenseman Josh Manson, according to multiple reports, including 104.3 The Fan insider Adrian Dater.

Josh Manson has signed with Avs, per league source

— Adrian Dater (@adater) July 13, 2022

Manson, a trade deadline acquisition by Joe Sakic from Anaheim, was big for the Avs in the playoffs. He scored three goals and added five assists to help the Avalanche bring home their third Stanley Cup. Manson had the game-winner in Game 1 of Round 2 against the Blues in OT, and also the “block” in Game 6 after Darcy Kuemper slid out of his net that allowed the Avalanche to come back and rally to win the game and take the series.

Manson’s deal will be for four-years at $4.5 million a year, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic.

Josh Manson contract in Colorado: 4 years x $4.5 M AAV@TSNHockey @TheAthletic

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 13, 2022

The Avs have now locked up Manson, Valeri Nichushkin, Andrew Cogliano and reports on Wednesday also said the team reached a deal with Darren Helm.

Nazem Kadri and Andre Burakovsky remain unsigned, with goalie Darcy Kuemper set to definitely leave town.

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