Colorado Avalanche Continue Building Depth With 3 More Free-Agent Signings
The Colorado Avalanche didn’t stop after signing Jaden Schwartz and Noah Juulsen when free agency opened on July 1.
As the day went on, the Avalanche added three more players to their depth by signing defenseman Domenick Fensore and wingers Vinnie Hinostroza and Adam Beckman.
None of the moves are headline grabbers, but together they are reinforcing the same approach Colorado has taken the entire offseason. Rather than spending significant money on a signature move, Colorado continues to build depth across their entire organization and gives themselves salary-cap flexibility while doing so.
This is how a championship contender stays in the hunt year after year.
Experienced Help for the NHL Roster
Of the three additional signees, Hinostroza is the most established and can bring the most to the table to begin with.
The veteran winger agreed to a two-year contract worth $1.75 million, carrying an average annual value of $875,000. Hinostroza has played in more than 400 NHL games on his resume.
He will be a versatile forward who is capable of contributing throughout the bottom six while also providing valuable experience and speed on the ice.
His ability to move through the lineup makes him a strong candidate to compete for minutes during training camp.
A Scoring Opportunity
The Avs also signed Beckman to a two-year contract worth $1.75 million total value.
The former Minnesota Wild prospect has become one of the American Hockey League’s best young forwards. He will now have a chance to compete for a larger role within Colorado’s organization.
Beckman will likely start the year with the Colorado Eagles but his offensive upside could likely give the Avs another option if injuries take over on the NHL team.
More Blue-Line Depth
On the defensive side of things, Colorado signed Fensore to a one-year $850,000 contract. He will be a mobile defenseman and should increase competition throughout training camp.
Fensore will also likely start with the Eagles, but he has the ability to step up into the lineup if the Avalanche need him over the course of the 82-game season.
A Clear Philosophy During the Offseason
Looking at each of the Day 1 signings individually and nothing really jumps. Not one single move changes the Avalanche’s outlook, but put them together and there is a clear strategy.
Colorado added Jaden Schwartz to strengthen the forward group while Noah Juulsen reinforces the blue line depth. Now Hinostroza, Beckman and Fensore improve the organizational depth and haven’t cost the team a fortune.
General Manager Chris MacFarland continues to make signings that will carry this team into more championship opportunities. He has made depth moves while maintaining financial flexibility to sign contract extensions with their cornerstone pieces.
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