Colorado Avalanche manage cap space and monitor prospect Fabian Lysell

The Colorado Avalanche are focused on accruing salary cap space ahead of the NHL trade deadline. Following the offseason departure of Valeri Nichushkin, General Manager Joe Sakic is managing a roster that currently projects $6.05 million in deadline space. The team may roster fewer than 23 players at times to maximize this accumulation.

In preseason action, prospect Fabian Lysell provided a glimpse of his offensive potential, recording an assist on Georgii Merkulov’s goal during a 3-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Lysell, acquired from the Boston Bruins, is working to translate his AHL production into consistent NHL-quality play under coach Jared Bednar.

Separately, the St. Louis Blues may become active in the trade market regarding depth forwards. Reports indicate the Blues have signaled availability for NHL-caliber players currently in their bottom six as they manage roster competition among several veteran and young players.