NHL trade rumors: $31,500,000 ex-Bruins center should be "back on trade market" due to Brock Nelson extension

Charlie Coyle may soon find himself on the move again because of Colorado Avalanche re-signing center Brock Nelson. Coyle had joined the Colorado Avalanche just months before the trade deadline.

With Nelson signing to a three-year deal worth $7.5 million annually on Wednesday, league insiders believe Coyle is back on the trade market. The 33-year-old Coyle is entering the final year of a six-year, $31.5 million deal with a $5.25 million cap hit.

"Not too many were surprised to see Brock Nelson re-up in Colorado after the hefty price they paid to acquire him at the deadline. That signing should put Avalanche centre Charlie Coyle, who’s owed $5.25 million for one more season, back on the trade market." Toronto Star's Nick Kypreos wrote.

Coyle, who was traded by the Bruins to Colorado for Casey Mittelstadt before the March 7 deadline, was originally seen as a short-term solution for the Avalanche’s center depth. However, the recent moves in Colorado have reshaped that plan.

Brock Nelson’s extension was expected after the Avalanche had paid a steep price to acquire him from the New York Islanders - shipping out defenseman Oliver Kylington and top prospect Calum Ritchie. Nelson quickly proved his value with 13 points in 19 games and has solidified his spot as Colorado’s second-line center.

With Nathan MacKinnon locked into the top line and Nelson signed long-term, Coyle is likely to be pushed into a third-line role - an expensive spot for a $5.25 million player. Given Colorado’s tight cap situation - PuckPedia projects they have just $1.2 million in space - the team may look to move Coyle’s salary to address other needs.

Coyle brings solid two-way play and playoff experience and should draw interest from teams seeking center depth.

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Brock Nelson is aiming for the cup after contract extension

The Avalanche, who remain in a championship window, have prioritized locking up key contributors.

Eight players, including Nelson, now have three or more years left on their contracts. Still, cap flexibility is limited, especially with six pending UFAs - including Jonathan Drouin and Ryan Lindgren - needing decisions.

"My family and I are excited to be staying in Colorado,” Nelson said."... Obviously, the way the season ended last year was disappointing, but I can’t wait to get back on the ice soon and continue to push for our goal of winning the Stanley Cup."

With Nelson secured, Coyle could be the odd man out in Colorado’s evolving roster plans.