This summer, the Colorado Avalanche have been quite busy. They strengthened the defense, added players to the forward group, and re-signed key free agents, but are they done with roster adjustments and adding new players? To be more precise, do they provide anyone with a professional tryout contract (PTO) so they may determine if they would mesh well with the club at training camp? Tryouts should be offered instead of contracts at this time because there aren’t many elite players left on the free-agent market. This strategy could be profitable and carries little risk.
Joel Kiviranta arrived at training camp the previous season on a PTO, which worked out quite well for the Avalanche and ultimately benefited the team. He began the season in the American Hockey League (AHL) rather than immediately earning a contract with the NHL, but he eventually did so as a result of his diligence. He finished the previous season with three goals and nine points in 56 games. He was excellent on the penalty kill, played in the bottom six minutes, and contributed a goal and an assist during the playoffs. Here are the top three unsigned free agents that the Avalanche could still grant a PTO to as the 2024 training camp draws near.
Kubalik Dominik (LW)
When the Avalanche added former senator and first-round pick Erik Brannstrom to the roster, they had already completed their due diligence on the Ottawa Senators; another is the established scoring winger Dominik Kubalik. In contrast to his prior seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, Kubalik, 29, had a difficult season in Ottawa. Kubalik declined with the Senators, collecting 11 goals and 15 points in 74 games after having a breakout season with the Red Wings that saw him record 20 goals and 45 points in 81 games. For Kubalik to find his scoring form again, a move from a rebuilding team to one that has Stanley Cup ambitions may be the wisest course of action.
His ability to score goals is arguably his greatest asset. He can play on both wings as he is 6-foot-2, which is helpful if the Avs need to switch up their starting lineup. Throughout his career, he has seen a lot of power-play opportunity. He finished the 2020–21 season with 17 points for the Red Wings, after collecting 14 with the Blackhawks. If he doesn’t get a new NHL deal, there are rumors that he might return to Switzerland (per Watson), but nothing is official. It might be worthwhile to give him a look in order to bolster the bottom six with his goal-scoring potential.
Johnson Tyler (C/RW)
Tyler Johnson, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is another potential addition to strengthen the bottom six. After leaving the Lightning for a rebuilding Blackhawks squad the previous season, he managed to average the most ice time since the 2018–19 season while scoring 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games. Although he may not be the same player as when he first joined the league at 34 (scoring 72 points and earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team), he has been reliable all through his career. Granted, he was given more chances and had a bigger role on a team that was rebuilding, which is how he scored more points in Chicago. Although the opportunities may be less in Colorado, his output will not be impacted.
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Giving Johnson paid time off would enable management to evaluate him for the position of fourth-line center. He is undoubtedly a talented offensive player, but his defense may be a weakness. As such, the club may benefit greatly by combining him with other offensively gifted players who also play responsible defense. Parker Kelly, who was just added, Kiviranta, who was brought back, or even Nikolai Kovalenko, who has some new experience, might complement Johnson’s style of play and provide the forward group more depth scoring.
Van Riemsdyk James
Possibly the most interesting individual on this roster. James van Riemsdyk is the oldest and, if he keeps up his appearance, he can influence the game. “JVR,” who is 35 years old, had a successful season with the Boston Bruins, averaging little more than 13 minutes of ice time while scoring 11 goals and dishing out 27 assists for 38 points in 71 games. Is there anything left in the tank? is their main concern when granting him a PTO. Throughout his career, he has played in over 1,000 games and scored over 600 points. Is he able to match the Avalanche’s fast-paced, high-octane scoring style of play? His skills, dependability, and what he can accomplish with a strong supporting cast surrounding him are all beyond question. Is he quick enough to play in a tandem with someone like Kelly or Miles Wood? If we were to grant him PTO, this would be the largest what-if.
But last season, while he was playing at even strength, the Boston club controlled an incredible 60.7% of projected goals, and van Riemsdyk’s possession quality stats were among the finest of his career. With a 49.6 CF%, he wasn’t on the ice for many high-danger opportunities against, despite the fact that he wasn’t especially skilled at controlling shot attempts outright. In a Bruins system that permitted fewer total expected goals in the previous season compared to their record-breaking 2022–2023 campaign in which they earned 135 points, his two-way play flourished.
The lineup for the Avalanche on opening day is almost certain to emerge. In the long term, it might be beneficial to sign these players to PTOs. The benefit of a PTO is that, in situations such as Kiviranta, it works well and the team feels comfortable with it. However, if it doesn’t work out, there is no danger. Even though the Avalanche may be content with their existing squad, these players should be taken into consideration if they have any reservations or are trying to add to their lineup.
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