Colorado Avalanche Add Proven Veteran Jaden Schwartz in Free Agency
The Colorado Avalanche made one of their biggest moves in free agency on opening day. The team signed Jaden Schwartz to a three-year contract worth $3.25 million annually.
After spending much of the offseason reshaping their roster through trades and targeted additions, Colorado then turned toward strengthening its forward group. They grabbed one of the most experienced two-way wingers on the market.
This signing addressed a clear need to replace some of the depth lost with the departures of Valeri Nichushkin, Ross Colton and Jack Drury.
A Proven Winner
Schwartz comes with an impressive resume. He has played in more than 900 NHL games and was an important member of the St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup championship team.
He arrives with a reputation as a dependable two-way forward who makes significant contributions on the defensive side as well.
He has speed, hockey IQ, and some relentless forechecking. He will fit right in to the style Jared Bednar desires. He is capable of skating right alongside the top offensive players or helping the middle six.
Schwartz has a long history of postseason experience as well, and coming into a team that expects to be in the playoffs year after year, this is an asset.
Colorado Continues Longstanding Philosophy
This contract continues the philosophy the Avs have been putting forward for years. Rather than committing massive dollars to one free agent, Colorado puts its focus on adding veterans who can strengthen multiple areas. They also employ a policy that preserves long-term salary-cap flexibility.
At $3.25 million per season, Schwartz is bringing proven production, a veteran presence and versatility to play both ends without limiting the ability to address future needs.
This contract falls right into line with keeping the Avs ability to sign extensions with their cornerstone players, Cale Makar and Artturi Lehkonen.
Schwartz is a significant addition to the forward group after the Avs have already added veteran defenseman Brent Burns and re-signed Brett Kulak. The one need that could be seen has been addressed. Schwartz can have an immediate impact on the ice.
Free agency is only beginning, but Colorado has made it clear that they don’t intend to chase the biggest headlines. They are continuing to build a proven championship core.
As the Avalanche continue their quest for another Stanley Cup run, Schwartz checks each of the necessary boxes to be a contributing member and he was a very logical addition.
Laura Lambert resides in Wiggins, Colo. with her husband, Ricky and two sons, Brayden and Boedy. She attended the University of Northern Colorado while studying economics. She is an accomplished rodeo athlete and barrel horse trainer along with being a life-long sports fan. Over the years, Laura has been active in journalism in a variety of roles. While continuing to cover western sports and country music, she is currently enjoying expanding her reach into multiple sports including MLB, NHL, NCAA and WNBA. Laura covers the Miami Marlins, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Avalanche and Rodeo for On SI. You can reach her at lauralambertmedia@gmail.com