Mile High Pollster: Fans are hoping the Avalanche re-sign Brock Nelson

Cal Ritchie went in a deal for Nelson and fans don’t want that to go to waste.

It’s time for another Mile High Hockey pollster with the Colorado Avalanche being eliminated in seven games by the Dallas Stars. Now it’s on to off-season topics like who will return, who will walk, and what outcome suits the heart of Avalanche territory? Let’s see what the fans think.

To be or not to be

Whenever a team turns the calendar to the next season, we look at expiring contracts and some of the acquired talent to gauge the possibility of a contract extension. Here are the expiring unrestricted contracts Colorado will have to address this offseason, and my prediction of what it would cost to keep a player around.

Let’s start with Brock Nelson, the player filling a significant role as he was brought in to play 2C for the Avalanche. Nelson being acquired in a deal that featured Colorado’s most promising prospect in Cal Ritchie means that if the Avalanche don’t re-sign him, they are resigned to losing that trade and giving up their best prospect for a rental. That’s not good business, so I think the Avalanche will do all they can to retain Nelson. If the fit isn’t right, they might admit defeat on that trade and acquire someone who fits best. Say, like Sam Bennett, for instance? The fans have spoken and want to see Nelson return for the Avalanche.

Jonathan Drouin’s lack of availability throughout the regular season and lack of production in the postseason have soured fans a bit. I bet Drouin sticks around because the situation fits his path and lifestyle. That said, the Avalanche should be able to get him on the cheap. Fans in Colorado say Jo’s time in Denver should be done.

Joel Kiviranta had a sneaky good season yet again, posting a career-high points total and 16 goals this season. Given his low cost last season, he was productive enough, and his productivity should earn him a little bump. I do think Colorado continues to grow with Kiviranta and retains his services. They need affordable bottom-six talent, and that’s precisely what Kiviranta is.

Quest for the Cup

Colorado’s journey might be done this season, but eight teams continue their quest for Lord Stanley, and things are starting to heat up in the second round. I asked fans who they thought would represent each conference in the Stanley Cup Final. Looks like we are getting Carolina vs. Edmonton. That would mean the Oilers would have another crack at becoming the first Canadian franchise to win a Stanley Cup since 1993.

Moose in the room

I know it hurts, but let’s touch on Dallas’ chances of hoisting since they are the team that infamously eliminated Colorado because of an excruciatingly untimely but impressive showing from Mikko Rantanen. If Dallas wins it all, will that hurt your heart more or less?

Let us know what you think of each poll in the comments, and be sure to follow if you’d like to vote on next week’s polls!