Colorado Avalanche's Salary Cap Strategy Raises Questions

After missing the entire previous season due to knee surgery, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog's return for this season remains uncertain, at least until the playoffs.

The Avalanche currently find themselves almost $5 million over the NHL salary cap, which raises questions about the timing of Landeskog's potential return to the lineup. In the playoffs, the salary cap rules don't apply, offering the only opportunity for Landeskog's return.


This situation draws parallels to the Tampa Bay Lightning's handling of Nikita Kucherov's injury in the 2020-21 season. Kucherov missed the entire regular season while the Lightning were right at the salary cap limit, only to return for the playoffs, pushing the team $18 million over the cap.


Without their captain during the regular season, the Avalanche will still be a competitive team. However, the addition of a healthy Landeskog for the playoffs could make them Stanley Cup favorites once again. Fans and media will keep a close eye on when the team plans to bring Landeskog back into action throughout the year.

Source bladeofsteel