5 Colorado Avalanche Players Who Won’t Be Back In 2014

By Douglas Smith

5 Colorado Avalanche Players Who Won't Return in 2014

5 Colorado Avalanche that Won't Return in 2014 — The Colorado Avalanche finished the 2013-14 season as one of the best teams in the NHL Western Conference. It came as a surprise to many, but the tutelage of Patrick Roy helped a solid core of younger players come together. With many of those key players returning, it will mainly be role players looking for another team for the 2014-15 season.

5. Brad Malone

Brad Malone

5. Brad Malone

Brad Malone — Brad Malone is a utility center for the Avalanche that who played in each game of the playoffs. However, he is averaging less than five minutes of ice time a game. Malone is a restricted free agent and a good candidate to get off the books in case Colorado needs more wiggle room to resign Paul Stastny and Ryan O'Reilly.

4. Cody McLeod

Cody McLeod Matt Cooke

4. Cody McLeod

Cody McLeod Matt Cooke — Cody McLeod made his Avalanche debut in 2007. In the 2011-12 season, McLeod set a franchise record, becoming the only player in Quebec/Colorado history to register at least 100 PIMs in five consecutive seasons; that streak is now at seven straight seasons. McLeod would be a low buyout candidate, even though his antics may be missed.

3. Cory Sarich

Cory Sarich

3. Cory Sarich

Cory Sarich — Cory Sarich has been battling injuries and currently has back issues that are keeping him out. The 35-year-old veteran is making million this season, and will be an unrestricted free agent. His age and injuries might be enough for him to consider retirement. If not, he should be looking for another team.

2. Jean-Sebastien Giguere

Jean-Sebastien Giguere

2. Jean-Sebastien Giguere

Jean-Sebastien Giguere — This one is a no-brainer, as Jean-Sebastian Giguere has announced plans to retire after this season. He did a ceremonial lap with Teemu Selanne in the last regular season game for both this season. Giguere spent time with the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs and now Colorado. The Avalanche traded for young goalie Reto Berra during the season to put even more writing on the wall.

1. Paul Carey

Paul Carey

1. Paul Carey

Paul Carey — Paul Carey fits in the same category as Malone. He's averaging less than four minutes per game in the playoffs after being called up for his first NHL game in mid-March. He is a restricted free agent, but would be coming off of his entry level contract.

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Colorado Avalanche

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