The Colorado Avalanche have just made waves across the NHL landscape, sending a ripple effect that is sure to be felt all the way to Montreal. With the announcement of a significant new contract for center Brock Nelson, the Avalanche have not only secured a valuable asset for their own lineup but have also dramatically shifted the dynamics of the upcoming free agent market.

This move leaves the Montreal Canadiens and their general manager Kent Hughes facing a new set of challenges as they look to strengthen their roster in the offseason. As the dust settles on this blockbuster signing, questions are quickly emerging about how this decision will impact the Canadiens’ strategy and the broader marketplace for top-tier centers. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are now on Montreal’s front office as they navigate an increasingly competitive and expensive landscape in their quest to build a contending team.

Mar 22, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Christian Dvorak (28) plays the puck against Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson (11) in the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

An important announcement from the Colorado Avalanche will have major implications for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

Center Brock Nelson has just signed a hefty contract, a three-year deal worth 7.5 million per year over there.

There are two impacts for the Canadiens.

A big name is taken off the list of possible acquisitions for the Montreal Canadiens at center

First, obviously, a forward is suddenly removed from Kent Hughes’ list of acquisition possibilities, as Nelson will ultimately stay in Colorado.

“$7.5M AAV.

As I reported last week, talks got going then and clearly led to a new deal to keep Nelson in Denver.

A big forward off the UFA board”

– David Pagnotta

It’s clearly unfortunate to lose a strong option on the second-line center market, and I know many experts would have liked to see the Canadiens sign Nelson, but this announcement is also important for another reason.

Second, the prices just went up!

Now that Brock Nelson has signed for $7.5 million per year, it’s obvious that the price tags for players like Sam Bennett and Matt Duchene just skyrocketed.

7.5M per season for Nelson: The Canadiens will have to avoid the free agent market.

Sam Bennett must be very happy with this announcement, but it’s not good news for Kent Hughes (if he was planning to sign a major free agent).

Finding an already-established second-line NHL center won’t be so easy after all for Kent Hughes and his staff.

More details to follow.