The Colorado Avalanche have made a significant move to solidify their defense corps, agreeing to a two-year contract extension with veteran defenseman Josh Manson. The deal, valued at $7.9 million with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.95 million, will keep the physical blueliner in the Mile High City through the 2027-28 season.
This extension signals the Avalanche`s confidence in the 33-year-old Manson, who has become a vital presence on the team`s backend since his arrival in 2022. Known for his robust defensive style and willingness to throw his weight around, Manson also possesses an ability to chip in offensively, often at critical moments. It seems the team values his particular blend of grit and timely contribution.
Despite navigating some injury challenges last season, which limited him to 48 regular-season games, Manson remained effective. He registered 15 points, including one goal and 14 assists, while averaging just over 18 minutes of ice time per contest – ranking fourth among Avalanche defensemen in both points and TOI. His contribution continued seamlessly into the postseason, where he appeared in all seven of the team`s playoff games, adding three points and demonstrating his knack for timely scoring with goals in the final two contests of their run.
Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland highlighted Manson`s importance, stating, “Josh has been an important member of our blue line since joining the team during the 2022 stretch run. He is a steady and tough defender who chips in on the offensive side at key times. He is also a veteran leader in our dressing room, and we are excited to have him under contract for another three seasons,” a sentiment that underscores the team`s desire for continuity and leadership.
Manson was a cornerstone piece acquired ahead of the 2022 trade deadline, a move that paid immediate dividends as he played a crucial role in the Avalanche`s Stanley Cup championship that year. During that memorable playoff run, he set personal postseason bests with three goals and eight points, including a dramatic overtime winner against St. Louis in the second round. Bringing that level of performance when it matters most is precisely why teams make such acquisitions.
Since first pulling on an Avalanche sweater in March 2022, Manson has skated in 173 regular-season games, tallying 57 points (13 goals, 44 assists). This consistent output, combined with his defensive responsibilities, paints a picture of a valuable all-around player.
Originally a sixth-round pick (160th overall) by the Anaheim Ducks in 2011, Manson spent nine seasons with the Ducks, carving out a reputation as a reliable and hard-hitting defenseman. His tenure in Anaheim saw him rank among the franchise leaders for defensemen in games played (5th), plus-minus (3rd), assists (9th), points (9th), and hits – notably standing as Anaheim`s all-time leader among blueliners in hits (1083). Bringing that physicality and experience to Colorado has clearly been a successful transition, proving that sometimes, a change of scenery (and altitude) works wonders.
This extension provides the Avalanche with stability on the back end, retaining a player who brings both on-ice impact and veteran leadership as they continue to contend for championships. It`s a business decision, yes, but one aimed squarely at keeping a proven piece of their puzzle intact.