Deen’s View: Nelson Deal Sets the Table — Now the Real Work Begins for the Avalanche (+)

The biggest question surrounding the Avalanche heading into the offseason was the lack of uncertainty at the second-line center position. But not anymore.

Colorado announced on Wednesday that Brock Nelson, the centerman they acquired from the New York Islanders for Calum Ritchie and a first-round draft pick on March 6, is staying. Nelson signed a three-year extension with a $7.5 million AAV. It’s arguably going to be the single most important move the Avalanche make all summer.

And they did it on June 4 — more than three weeks from the NHL Draft and nearly a month out from the start of unrestricted free agency.

But where does the team go from here? On one hand, they have just $1.2 million in cap space, but on the other, they ultimately have a full roster locked up (except for restricted free agent Sam Malinski).

Technically, general manager Chris MacFarland and the rest of the Avs’ front office can sign Malinski and go into the new season with the roster they have now. But we all know they’re likely going to make some other changes.

Here’s the current outlook of the Avs’ roster following Nelson’s extension.

Where do they go from here?