The Colorado Avalanche should, and in all likelihood will, add at least one winger via free agency this offseason. Their preference will undoubtedly be to add somebody on the right side. On the other hand, they ask their forwards to be versatile; often utilizing players to play somewhere aside from their natural position.
With that in mind, there is a chance that Colorado will sign a natural left winger, then utilize him (or somebody else) somewhere else. Looking at the names available, however, they don’t really fit a need skills-wise for the Avalanche, especially if they are looking to add them into their top-six.
Though there are names that will garner a lot of interest this summer, they primarily consist of power forwards; something the Avalanche already have on the left side in Gabriel Landeskog.
If the Avalanche are active on the left wing market, it will likely come in the form of retaining their own. Mikkel Boedker, whom they acquired from the Arizona Coyotes, is a natural left wing. While listed as a center Shawn Matthias was used almost exclusively as a winger after being acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs (and will be considered a left winger for the purposes of this article). Andreas Martinsen, a restricted free agent, is also a natural left wing.
Taking into account both their own players and free agents from other teams, here are five names to keep an eye on in this summer’s market.
Kris Versteeg
Team: Los Angeles Kings Age: 30 Status: UFA
2015-16 Stats
GP: 77 G: 15 A: 23 P: 38 +/-: 0 PIM: 45
The proud owner of two Stanley Cup rings (both with the Chicago Blackhawks), Versteeg was acquired by the Kings leading up to the trade deadline last season. Prior to that move, he was a player that the Avalanche were actually rumored to be interested in.
Versteeg actually gets moved quite often. On one hand, that shows that teams are interested in him. On the other, teams also don’t seem to mind parting ways with him, either.
Offensively, he can fill in in a team’s top-six in a pinch, but doesn’t have the production to justify leaving him there full-time. Unfortunately, he also isn’t really physical enough or good enough defensively to excel in the bottom-six either.
Versteeg is a good skater with plenty of playoff experience. Someone will take a flyer on him this summer.
Estimated cost: $2.5-3.5 million per season.
Jason Chimera
Team: Washington Capitals Age: 37 Status: UFA
2015-16 Stats
GP: 82 G: 20 A: 20 P: 40 +/-: 0 PIM: 22
At 37, you would expect Chimera to be slowing down, but he still had plenty of gas in his tank for the Capitals last season. In fact, he posted his first 20-goal season in five years (and only second of his career) last season.
That being said, Chimera is much more known for his defensive acumen. He has been a staple on the Capitals’ penalty kill for seven years.
Chimera is still an above-average skater, with good size (6’3”, 216 pounds). He could be a really good fit for the Avalanche system-wise.
The problem would be getting him out of Washington, where he seems very comfortable. If he does leave, it will likely be because he no longer fits in their plans. For the Avalanche, general manager Joe Sakic has said that he’s not willing to add older players to long-term deals; so they would likely be unwilling to go over a single season.
Estimated cost: $2-3 million per season.
Andrew Ladd
Team: Chicago Blackhawks Age: 30 Status: UFA
2015-16 Stats
GP: 78 G: 25 A: 21 P: 46 +/-: -13 PIM: 45
Possessing a similar skillset to Gabriel Landeskog, Ladd gets the nod on this list over Milan Lucic because, well, the Avalanche have no chance at landing Lucic. Though likely still too expensive, Ladd offers enough leadership for the Avalanche to consider.
As a point producer, Ladd is decent, but is coming off an off season. He was a little down defensively as well, but is usually very reliable in that regard.
Ladd is a great locker room guy, and a leader on the ice. He also owns two Stanley Cup rings, which is not to be undervalued. As a playoff performer, while he has plenty of experience, his numbers disappoint offensively.
Ladd will likely cash in with somebody this offseason. On the ice, he might not be exactly what the Avalanche are looking for. Off the ice is a different story altogether.
Estimated cost: $5.5-6.5 million per season.
Shawn Matthias
Team: Colorado Avalanche Age: 28 Status: UFA
2015-16 Stats
GP: 71 G: 12 A: 16 P: 28 +/-: -17 PIM: 20
Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic did not rule out bringing back Matthias, who was primarily used as a winger on the third line after being acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite his plus/minus, he played well.
Matthias is a huge body (6’4”, 231 pounds) and plays physical, but not irresponsible. He is also a deceptively good skater. He has good possession numbers, which is rare amongst the Avalanche players.
Colorado likes Matthias’ versatility. Whether or not he returns will likely be contingent on price. His skillset makes him desirable, but he is not worth breaking the bank over.
Estimated cost: $2.75-3.75 million per season.
Mikkel Boedker
Team: Colorado Avalanche Age: 26 Status: UFA
2015-16 Stats
GP: 80 G: 17 A: 34 P: 51 +/-: -33 PIM: 12
Like was the case with Matthias, Avalanche GM Joe Sakic didn’t rule out bringing back Boedker. After being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes, he played well offensively, posting 12 points in 18 games as an Av, despite tailing off with the rest of the team to end the season.
Boedker is a very smart hockey player, with good possession numbers and great playmaking ability. Unfortunately, he is often lackadaisical in his own end, finishing with an abhorrent minus-33 rating.
After being acquired, Boedker quickly acclimated to his new teammates. By the end of the season, he was adored in the locker room. The Avalanche are a tight-knit group, so that could help his case.
Hurting it could be cost. Prior to being traded, Boedker reportedly was offered a long-term deal by the Coyotes that would have paid him more than $5 million per season. He apparently wanted $6 million per season, which is a ton of money for someone who is a liability in his own end.
Estimated cost: $5-6 million per season.