The Colorado Avalanche has made a significant move to solidify their defensive core by re-signing defenseman Devon Toews to a seven-year contract. Bringing Toews back ensures that the Avalanche will maintain their top defensive pairing alongside Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar for at least three more seasons. General manager Chris MacFarland expressed the importance of securing Toews’ contract, stating that he is “one of the best defensemen in the NHL and a huge part of the core of this team.”
Toews has excelled since joining the Avalanche, showcasing some of the strongest years of his career. The trade that brought him to Colorado in 2020 has proven to be a successful move, as he has consistently contributed offensively and defensively. In his two seasons with the New York Islanders, Toews averaged 0.40 points per game. However, since joining the Avalanche, he has increased his production to an average of 0.70 points per game over 200 games.
Toews’ impact extends beyond his offensive contributions. His defensive prowess and versatility have made him a valuable asset in all game situations. He has excelled in 5-on-5 play, penalty killing, and power play situations. This ability to log heavy minutes and perform well in different scenarios has established Toews and Makar as one of the strongest defensive pairings in the NHL.
In recognition of his exceptional play, Toews has consistently placed in the top 15 of Norris Trophy voting during his time with the Avalanche. His well-rounded skills and ability to make an impact in all areas of the game have solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensemen.
Toews expressed his excitement and gratitude for remaining with the Avalanche and continuing to contribute to the team’s success. The trust and belief shown by the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic, Chris MacFarland, and the coaching staff have further motivated Toews to strive for even greater accomplishments.
With Toews’ contract extension, he joins a group of key players, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, who are locked in for the long term. This stability ensures that the Avalanche will have a solid foundation to build upon in the coming years. In addition to their core players, the Avalanche will have future financial considerations with several players becoming free agents in the offseason. CapFriendly projects that the team will have over $2.6 million in cap space to address these upcoming decisions.
The re-signing of Devon Toews represents a crucial move for the Colorado Avalanche. Not only does it secure one of the team’s top defensemen, but it also establishes stability within the defensive core alongside Cale Makar. Toews’ offensive and defensive contributions, combined with his versatility, make him integral to the Avalanche’s success.
As the team looks to build upon their recent achievements, having key players locked in for the long term is crucial. With a solid foundation in place, the Avalanche can focus on addressing their future financial considerations and continue their pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship.
The re-signing of Devon Toews is a testament to the Avalanche’s commitment to maintaining a competitive and formidable roster. By securing Toews for the next seven years, the Avalanche have taken a significant step towards establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
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