(Denver) The Stanley Cup festivities following the coronation of the Colorado Avalanche are gradually calming down. Now is the time to get back to work and prepare for the defense of the championship.
Posted yesterday at 7:29 p.m.
The Avalanche management’s first decision — in what promises to be a busy summer — was to sign veteran winger Andrew Cogliano for another season on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old Torontonian was a key support player in the Avalanche’s first title since 2001.
The Denver team still has several important decisions to make in the coming days.
Almost everywhere in its training, the Avalanche find free agents without restriction. Forwards Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovsky and Valeri Nichushkin as well as defenders Josh Manson and Jack Johnson and goalkeeper Darcy Kuemper could leave the club this summer.
That’s not counting restricted free agents like Artturi Lehkonen and Nicolas Aubé-Kubel.
“The guys who lead the boat every night are still here and they are very determined,” Cogliano said during a videoconference.
The core team of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen and captain Gabriel Landeskog are all under contract for next year. Makar, holder of the Norris Trophy — awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL — was notably elected as the recipient of the Conn-Smythe Trophy as most valuable player in the playoffs.
“We want more. Especially now that we have tasted victory, noted Cogliano. The guys we have on our team are determined, I believe they will want a celebration like this again. This is our cornerstone for next season. »
Cogliano was acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline from the San Jose Sharks for a 2024 fifth-round pick.
Outstanding with more than three goals and three assists in the playoffs, Cogliano showed determination coming back from a hand injury he suffered in the Western Conference Final against the Oilers from Edmonton.
Although he underwent surgery, he was back in the lineup for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Avalanche finally triumphed in six games against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Cogliano gave an emotional speech at the team hotel ahead of the playoff to rally the troops. Jared Bednar’s men lost the fifth home game and Cogliano wanted to help the team regain their focus.
“It was a new experience for a lot of guys, going into a game thinking about winning the Stanley Cup and really believing in it,” Cogliano admitted. I felt that if I shared my thoughts, we could all come to terms with the situation and make a game plan for Game 6 — but also manage our emotions and mindsets well.
“I think we executed it wonderfully. Everything we talked about, what we agreed to, that evening was 100% achieved. I think that’s why we probably played the best part of our lives in terms of execution. »
It is quite simply the voice of an old trucker who has lit the way.
“Andrew was so instrumental in winning the Cup with his leadership and experience,” Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said. He’s a great teammate who works as hard on the ice as he does off it. He was a good example for the rest of the group. »
Before training and getting ready for next season, Cogliano will take some rest at his cabin in British Columbia.