5 Colorado Avalanche players who may not be back in 2025-26 feat. Brock Nelson

The Colorado Avalanche suffered another heartbreaking playoff elimination at the hands of the Dallas Stars. The Stars bounced Colorado 4-2 on Saturday night, taking Game 7 and moving on to the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Avs now face a summer of question marks and what-ifs. That speculation includes players who may not return to the team next season.

So, let’s take a look at five Colorado Avalanche players who may not return to the team for the 2025-26 season.

5 Colorado Avalanche players who may not be back in 2025-26

#5 Jimmy Vesey

Jimmy Vesey joined Colorado at the trade deadline. He didn't figure prominently down the stretch, playing in just 10 regular season games for the Avalanche. He did not play in the postseason.

As such, there's reason to believe that Vesey, a UFA this summer, may not return to the Colorado Avalanche next season despite his league-minimum cap hit.

#4 Erik Johnson

Erik Johnson returned to Colorado as defensive insurance following a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers. Johnson played 14 regular-season games amid injuries on the blue line.

He got into two games against the Dallas in the first round, but then gave way to Sam Malinski. The Avalanche may bring back the veteran blueliner, thought it remains to be seen if the two sides can agree on a new contract.

#3 Ryan Lindgren

Ryan Lindgren could be looking for a hefty raise on a multi-year deal this summer - Source: Imagn

Ryan Lindgren was a key trade deadline acquisition, coming over from the New York Rangers. Since joining the Colorado Avalanche, Lindgren played throughout the team’s bottom-four defenders.

Overall, Lindgren played solid, if unspectacular hockey. The 27-year-old is set to become a UFA this summer. While the Avalanche would certainly love to keep him, there’s no telling if Lindgren is keen on testing the free-agent market.

If he does, he could be looking at a substantial raise from his current $4.5 million cap hit.

#2 Jonathan Drouin

The Colorado Avalanche brought Jonathan Drouin back this season on a one-year, show-me deal after a tough 2023-24 season. Drouin spent a good chunk of the season on the shelf.

Nevertheless, Drouin was productive when in the lineup. Despite playing just 43 games, he scored 11 goals and 37 points. He also chipped in three assists in seven playoff games this season.

With a $2.5 million cap hit, Drouin is affordable enough for the Avalanche to bring him back. But the club may choose to move on from Drouin given the amount of time he’s missed over the last four seasons due to injury.

#1 Brock Nelson

Brock Nelson could test free agency before deciding to return to Colorado for next season - Source: Imagn

Brock Nelson was the biggest trade deadline splash this season. The Avalanche ponied up major draft and prospect capital to land the veteran center from the New York Islanders.

Nelson was mostly productive for Colorado, scoring six goals and 13 points in 19 regular-season games. He also added four assists in the seven-game series against the Dallas Stars. However, Nelson will be a UFA and will likely test free agency in hopes of getting one last multi-year deal.

The 33-year-old reportedly turned down a three-year extension from the New York Islanders, suggesting he’s looking for a longer-term deal. If that’s the case, it remains to be seen if the Avalanche will be willing to give Nelson the sort of deal he’s looking for this summer.