The Avalanche future blue line is looking clearer.
One of the Colorado Avalanche’s most recognizable defensive stalwarts is staying in Denver.
Josh Manson signed a two-year contract extension with the Avalanche Thursday, securing his services through the 2027-28 NHL season, barring a future trade that he approves. The new deal carries an average annual value of $3.95 million, which is a slight discount from his current $4.5 million price tag.
The #GoAvsGo signed 33 y/o D Josh Manson to a 2 year $3.95M Cap Hit extension
12 team NTC year 1, 10 team NTC year 2
Rep’d by Ross Gurney RWGhttps://t.co/XPIQFZSWON
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 11, 2025
However, injuries have been an issue for Manson over the past few years The 33-year-old was limited to 48 games last season due to a series of upper and lower-body ailments. But when he’s not on the sidelines, he’s been one of Colorado’s most dependable and productive blueliners outside of Cale Makar and Devon Toews. His physicality and his pivotal offensive surges has been a cornerstone of the Avalanche defense since being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks more than three years ago.
“Josh has been an integral part of our blue line since joining the team during our 2022 playoff push,” said General Manager Chris MacFarland in a statement. “He’s a rugged, reliable defender who contributes offensively in key moments. Beyond that, he brings invaluable veteran leadership to our locker room. We’re thrilled to have him with us for another three seasons.”
Despite missing a substantial portion of the regular season, Manson remained unwavering in his commitment to return to the ice. His perseverance and self-belief were rewarded when he appeared in all seven games of Colorado’s first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars. He recorded three points during the series, including goals in each of the final two contests—demonstrating that his trademark resilience and competitive edge remain firmly intact.
Josh Manson, extended 2x$4M by COL, is a physical veteran defence-first defenceman. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/2VTNFv7vMG
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 10, 2025
Manson’s defining moment came during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship run, where he posted career highs in goals (3), assists (5), and points (8) across 20 postseason games—cementing his value as a playoff performer.
Though now older, the 6-foot-3, 218-pound blueliner remains a physical force, registering 443 hits since joining the Avalanche—more than any other player on the roster during that span. When healthy, he continues to be a difference-maker. With his extension now in place—and the recent addition of 2016-17 Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns—Colorado’s blue line projects to be tougher, deeper, and more intimidating heading into next season.