The Colorado Avalanche are pushing to re-sign several of their pending unrestricted free agents, including goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports that Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic met with Kuemper’s representatives this morning in Montreal, and though there is no agreement yet, both sides want to continue talking as we inch toward free agent frenzy.
Kuemper, 32, is one of only four real UFA goalies who represent starting options, along with Marc-Andre Fleury, Ville Husso, and Jack Campbell (though each has their own question marks). Given his performance in the playoffs–good, but not great–it would certainly make sense for him to stay put, where the powerhouse Avalanche squad can provide the best chance at another championship.
Still, the Avalanche likely don’t want to give out the same money or years that Kuemper might be able to land elsewhere, since they have some other huge names to sign this year and next. Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen stand out this year (assuming Nazem Kadri has priced himself out), while Nathan MacKinnon will be signing a massive extension.
That same situation played out last summer when Philipp Grubauer landed a massive deal from the Seattle Kraken that the Avalanche couldn’t match. They needed the money to keep Gabriel Landeskog and proved they could win with a different goaltender. With that history in mind, Kuemper’s camp will know that Sakic is willing to walk away if the number gets too high.
Though it’s unclear what would be Colorado’s next move if it happens, LeBrun writes that people around the league see the Avalanche as the “perfect landing spot” for Fleury, should Kuemper go elsewhere in free agency.