๎จ0-1๎จ The Avalanche inked Brent Burns, a 40-year-old veteran and 2017 Norris Trophy winner, to a one-year contract worth $1โฏmillion against the salary cap, with up to $3โฏmillion in performance bonusesโฏ๎จ .
๎จ386-0๎จ Burns brings tremendous experience: 1,497 regular-season NHL games, 910 career points, and the leagueโs longest active ironman streak (925 consecutive games)โฏ๎จ .
๎จ595-0๎จ ESPN analysts graded the signing a B, noting Burnsโ puck-moving skills, durability, and fit on Coloradoโs third defensive pairingโฏ๎จ .
๎จ764-0๎จ Local analysts highlighted his physical presence, penalty-killing value, veteran leadership, and ‘grizzly’ styleโdespite uncertainty about where heโll fit in the lineupโฏ๎จ .
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๐งฌ Prospect Spotlight: Francesco DellโElce Drafted
๎จ970-0๎จ The Avalanche selected Francesco DellโElce from UMass in the third round of the 2025 Draftโฏ๎จ .
๎จ1147-0๎จ The 6’2″ defenseman posted 24 points in 40 games as a freshman. He looks up to fellow UMass alum and two-time Norris winner Cale Makar, aiming to grow into a well-rounded playerโฏ๎จ .
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๐ผ Other Roster Moves
๎จ1352-0๎จ On July 1, Colorado extended forward Parker Kelly on a four-year deal (approx. $1.7โฏM/year) and brought back depth players T.J. Tynan and Jack Ahcan on one-year dealsโฏ๎จ .
๎จ1589-0๎จ The team also signed defenseman Ronnie Attard to a one-year deal on July 1โฏ๎จ .
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๐ญ Offseason Outlook
The Avalanche are bolstering their blue line depth significantly. With Makar and Toews solidifying the top pairing, Burns, Attard, and Ahcan bring seasoned depth, while DellโElce represents future potential. The team appears focused on reinforcing its defense ahead of the 2025โ26 season.
