Avalanche sign depth defenseman from the Flyers

The Colorado Avalanche have added depth defenseman Noah Juulsen in free agency. 

The team announced the move on Wednesday, only a couple hours after the window to sign new players opened. It follows the reported deal with forward Jaden Schwartz.

We have signed defenseman Noah Juulsen to a two-year deal.

Welcome to Colorado, Noah 🏔️ pic.twitter.com/7RFYFpHXLT

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) July 1, 2026

Juulsen is 29-years-old and recorded 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 52 games with the Philadelphia Flyers last season. He added two points in five Stanley Cup Playoff contests.

A native of Surrey, British Columbia, Juulsen has compiled 27 points in 209 career regular-season games with the Flyers (2025-26), Vancouver Canucks (2021-25), Florida Panthers (2020-21) and Montreal Canadiens (2017-19).

Avalanche GM Joe Sakic has to feel good about his defensive core with Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Brett Kulak, Josh Manson, Sam Malinski and Brent Burns already under contract. Kulak and Burns inked new deals last week, while a massive extension with Makar is looming.

Juulsen profiles as a seventh NHL defenseman who can play when injuries pop up or regular skaters need a night off. The deal is reportedly worth $1.1 million per year over the next two seasons. 

According to PuckPedia, the Avalanche have about $1.28 million left in salary cap space, so adding players is pretty much over. NHL free agency goes fast and Sakic has locked up a potential top-six forward in Schwartz and more help on defense.

All eyes will now shift to Makar, with fans hoping for a resolution sooner rather than later.

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