from Mike Chambers of the Denver Post,
The open market begins July 1, and Niskanen, 27, appears to be exactly what the Avalanche needs. He is a coveted right-handed shooter with elite power-play skills, good size (6-foot, 209 pounds) and significant Stanley Cup playoff experience (53 games and counting). He will undoubtedly double his $2.5 million salary wherever he signs.
"Right-shot defensemen are at a premium in the league, and I mean ones that can play on the point on the power play and get points," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland told Detroit reporters. "We'd like to get a right-handed shot defenseman. Can we make it happen? We'll find out."
Will the Avs be shopping along with the Red Wings?
The Avs figure to go after Niskanen, or another marquee free-agent defenseman, if they choose to upgrade their back line, which essentially means one or more of the following:
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