While the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are competing in the Stanley Cup Final, the offseason has commenced for the majority of NHL franchises.
The Colorado Avalanche have already started addressing their offseason priorities by re-signing a key free agent. The team has inked veteran forward Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension, reportedly worth $7.5 million annually.
Nelson was acquired by the Avalanche at the 2025 trade deadline this past season. The trade package sent to the New York Islanders included forward Calum Ritchie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, a conditional first-round pick in 2026, and a conditional third-round pick in 2028.
NHL free agency officially opens on July 1st at 12 p.m. ET. However, many teams are working to extend players already under contract or complete trades ahead of that date.
This summer`s free agent class is expected to feature prominent players. Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner is projected to be one of the top players available. Other notable names include Panthers forward Sam Bennett, Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, and Stars center Matt Duchene.
Nelson`s Impact and Future Role
The Avalanche are securing arguably their most significant potential free agent for the foreseeable future with this extension. Nelson was previously set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Acquired from the New York Islanders at the 2025 trade deadline, Nelson contributed 13 points (6 goals and 7 assists) in 19 regular-season games for Colorado. Across the full season with both teams, he recorded a combined 56 points (26 goals and 30 assists). In the playoffs, he added four assists during the team`s first-round loss to the Dallas Stars. Nelson is anticipated to continue as the center for the Avalanche`s second line, potentially alongside Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.
Brock Nelson will turn 34 years old around the start of the 2025-26 season this autumn.
