Colorado Avalanche general manager JOe Sakic made it clear that extending Cale Makar was his top priority. He made good on that and it feels like he's content with resting his laurels on that contract alone.

He won't come out and say it directly but it feels like the Avs brass have made their final and best offer to Gabriel Landeskog. He is most certainly headed towards testing the free agent market when it opens on Wednesday.

It's become quite clear that Sakic and his captain are on totally different pages - if not planets. To be fair to both sides - there are so many rumors that it's hard to keep track of what's accurate and what's spit-balling. With that said... I'm just spit-balling here...

It doesn't sound like money is the core issue here. Landeskog seems to be hung up on term. He wants a longer term. And O'd assume he wants a deal with an AAV near or at the $6.5 million he has been making. The Avs want shorter term with a lower monetary value. There are whispers of a low-ball offer somewhere in the $5 million range. I call BS on that, but if that's true, Landeskog is as good as gone.

I can understand not wanting a big cap hit with the Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen and the soon-to-be Nathan Mackinnon deals eating up a big chunk of the cap, but why not give the term? Landeskog has been through some lean years and has never griped or complained once. He deserves a chance to find the ultimate success - a Stanley Cup - with this team.

Whatever is the case, it's clear that the captain is frustrated. It's like my dad used to sad, he's not mad... just disappointed. Landeskog has every right to feel slighted. And when he signs with St. Louis or the Islanders we're all going to feel both sad and disappointed.

***

Meanwhile the Avs sent qualifying offers to three of their perspective restricted free agents. Dennis Gilbert, Conor Timmins and Tyson Jost all got QO's. By qualifying these players Colorado retains negotiating rights.

The Avs can negotiate new deals with these guys or receive compensation should they sign an offer sheet with another club.

Wednesday is going to be a wild, wild day.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

Join the Discussion: » 25 Comments » Post New Comment

» Avalanche Stay Active On The Trade Market

» Red Hot Avalanche Trade For An Old Friend

» The Colorado Avalanche Are Stanley Cup Champions!

» Avalanche On The Verge Of Hockey's Pinnacle

» Stanley Cup Final: Avalanche Take Thrilling Game One In OT