Five Under-the-Radar, Buy-Low Free Agent Forwards the Colorado Avalanche Should Pursue This Offseason
As the Colorado Avalanche look to return to Stanley Cup contention after a turbulent 2024-25 campaign, General Manager Chris MacFarland will have his work cut out for him in navigating a tight salary cap while retooling the forward group. With limited flexibility and a roster that’s still brimming with top-end talent, particularly in Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar, the Avalanche need cost-effective additions who can contribute at even strength and potentially drive secondary scoring. Instead of aiming for big-name free agents, Colorado would benefit from targeting under-the-radar, buy-low options with upside.
Here are five underrated free agent forwards the Avalanche should strongly consider pursuing this offseason:
1. Daniel Sprong (Seattle Kraken)
Age: 28 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2 million
Upside: Scoring depth, power play contributor
Sprong is the definition of an efficient depth scorer. Though he’s bounced around the league, he’s quietly posted impressive per-60 scoring rates over the last few seasons. With Seattle, he registered solid production in limited minutes, finishing with 13 goals and 30 points in just over 12 minutes of ice time per game. He has a lethal shot and could fit perfectly on Colorado’s third line or second power-play unit. If Sprong is available at a similar price to last year, he’d be a smart low-risk pickup.
2. Tyler Johnson (Chicago Blackhawks)
Age: 34 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $5 million (UFA, expected discount)
Upside: Veteran presence, playoff experience, versatile
Johnson has battled injuries in recent years, but when healthy, he still brings a reliable two-way game and the ability to contribute on both special teams. With Chicago rebuilding and Johnson entering free agency, he may be available on a one-year deal with a significant pay cut. His experience and ability to play center or wing would make him an excellent utility player for a team like Colorado.
3. Denis Gurianov (Nashville Predators)
Age: 28 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $850,000
Upside: Size-speed combo, untapped offensive potential
Once considered a top-six winger for Dallas, Gurianov has struggled with consistency. Still, his 6’3″ frame and elite skating make him an intriguing project. He had flashes of potential with Nashville but didn’t quite break through. A change of scenery to a team with a strong development system like Colorado could revive his career. On a one-year, prove-it deal, Gurianov could offer sneaky upside.
4. Nick Ritchie (Unsigned in 2024-25)
Age: 29 | Last Cap Hit: $2.5 million (PTO with St. Louis, unsigned in 2024-25)
Upside: Physicality, net-front presence
Ritchie didn’t play in the NHL this past season but remains an interesting depth option. He’s a big body who can play a heavy game and offer net-front grit on the power play. The Avalanche occasionally struggled with physicality in bottom-six matchups, especially in the postseason. Ritchie could add a sandpaper element at a bargain-bin price—think of him as a depth insurance policy with playoff utility.
5. Dominik Kahun (SC Bern, Swiss League)
Age: 29 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: N/A (Playing in Switzerland)
Upside: Playmaker, international experience, cheap flyer
Kahun last played in the NHL in 2020-21 but has remained productive overseas. A return to the NHL is plausible, and he’d be a cheap, low-risk signing with potential to slot into a scoring role if injuries hit. Kahun previously had stints with Chicago, Buffalo, and Edmonton and was known for his playmaking instincts. If Colorado scouts Europe for depth, Kahun is worth a look.
Final Thoughts
With cap constraints and a win-now window, the Avalanche need to find diamonds in the rough to complement their stars. By targeting players like Sprong, Johnson, and Gurianov—guys with skill and something to prove—Colorado can build a deeper, more resilient lineup capable of another deep playoff run. Low-risk, medium-reward moves might just be the key to maximizing their core’s prime years.
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