Colorado Avalanche retain Josh Manson, ink defenseman to four-year extension

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed defenceman Josh Manson to a four-year, $18 million contract extension with an AAV of $4.5 million.

The 30-year-old Manson joined the Stanley Cup champion Avalanche from the Anaheim Ducks prior to the trade deadline. He provided eight points in 20 playoff games, including one game-winning goal, to help Colorado claim Lord Stanley for the third time in franchise history.

Colorado now has less than $6 million in cap space. If they plan on re-signing Nazam Kadri, they must either clear some cap space or convince Kadri to take a cut in pay, which will definitely be easier said than done.

The Avalanche have also signed Darren Helm to a one-year extension with an AAV of $1.25 million. The 35-year-old Helm won the Stanley Cup as a rookie with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and remained with the organization before joining Colorado last summer. He put up 15 points in 68 regular season games, and added five points in 20 playoff games.

The Avalanche have also signed Darren Helm to a one-year extension with an AAV of $1.25 million. Helm, 35, spent years with the Detroit Red Wings before joining the Colorado Avalanche last summer. He had 15 points in 68 regular season games, and added five points run in 20 playoff games.