1. Mikkel Boedker/ Shawn Matthias
Both Mikkel Boedker and Shawn Matthias were acquired by Colorado around the trade deadline this past season. Now that Alexander Radulov is out of the picture, the Avalanche should focus on bringing both free agents back.
Boedker should be a priority for the Avalanche considering the way we saw him play alongside Nathan MacKinnnon. Due to MacKinnon’s knee injury at the end of the season, the two only got a brief time to skate together, but when they did, their speed was too much for opponents to handle. We know what Boedker has to offer, and we know the attitude he brings. Another season with the Avs could find Boedker achieving his first 20-goal season of his, soon to be, nine-year career.
Shawn Matthias also fit in well in his 20 games played for the Colorado Avalanche. His willingness to use his body shielding the puck, planting himself in front of the net and digging the puck out of dirty areas make Matthias someone the Avalanche should also prioritize considering what is available in the free agent market.
Signing both Boedker and Matthias would allow the Avalanche to continue building off of what they had at the end of last season without too much risk or unknowns involved.
In their short time spent in Colorado last season, both were able to make a clear impact and show potential. Coming to a contract agreement with both should be at the top of Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy‘s to do list.
