Devon Toews re-signs 7-year deal with Avalanche
Toews Retained
The Colorado Avalanche have resolved one of their major concerns for this season by re-signing defenseman Devon Toews to a seven-year contract. Toews, who was entering the final year of his contract, will earn $7.25 million annually starting next season. The extension ensures that the Avs will keep their top defensive pairing of Toews and 2022 Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar together for at least three more seasons, which is a significant accomplishment.
Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland stated that “getting a deal done with Devon at the start of the season was a priority for us. He has emerged as one of the best defensemen in the NHL and is a huge part of the core of this team.” Toews was traded to the Avs in 2020 for a pair of second-round picks. That helped the New York Islanders alleviate their salary cap crunch. Since joining the Avs, Toews has had some of the strongest years of his career. He’s been averaging 0.70 points in 200 games and being used in practically every situation from 5-on-5 play to the penalty kill to the power play.
x – Colorado Avalanche on Twitter: “SEVEN MORE YEARS OF TOEWSER! Devon Toews has agreed to a seven-year contract extension ✍️#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/8AD6FCVqQm / Twitter”
SEVEN MORE YEARS OF TOEWSER! Devon Toews has agreed to a seven-year contract extension ✍️#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/8AD6FCVqQm
Norris Trophy Finalist
Toews has been named a finalist for the Norris Trophy in each of his first three seasons with the Avalanche. It’s why he is considered one of the top defensemen in the NHL. His ability to play heavy minutes in various situations has contributed to his partnership with Makar. The two are considered one of the strongest defensive pairings in the league.
“I’m thrilled to continue playing for the Avalanche and building on our successes,” said Toews. “I’d like to thank the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic, Chris MacFarland, and the coaching staff for their support and trust in me.”
Toews is now part of a group of nine players on the Avalanche with contracts lasting more than three years. The list includes Nathan MacKinnon and Makar. However, the Avalanche still have financial considerations to make against the salary cap. That includes seven unrestricted free agents and three restricted free agents in the upcoming offseason. CapFriendly projects that the Avalanche will have more than $2.6 million in cap space.