When Colorado acquired Jacob Markström earlier in the off-season, it was assumed by fans and management alike that Pekka Rinne would be plying his trade elsewhere during the 2019/20 SHL season. As it turns out, Colorado retained the services of their superstar (and expensive) netminder for a relative discount, signing Rinne to a three-year deal valued at $5,520,000 annually.

“We’re incredibly pleased to have Pekka on board for the foreseeable future,” said general manager Lance Lavelle. “Pekka gives us a legitimate shot at being a playoff threat.”

While management is ecstatic about retaining Rinne, many sources in Denver has expressed concerns about being able to improve upon their existing forward corps — as of publication, the Colorado’s top six forwards lack the competitive look of last season’s top two lines.

“We have the rights to Dustin Brown,” Lavelle said. “But we’re not too sure that we have the ability to keep him. We might have to explore some options through trade.”

Rakell and Eberle have been floated as trade candidates, but Lavelle is rumored to like Rakell’s flexibility in the line-up. It is assumed the many of Colorado’s signed defenders would also be available in trade to upgrade the team’s forwards.

Also presumed to be available is Jake Allen, whose presence becomes superfluous with Rinne’s new contract, the acquisition of Markström, and Joonas Korpisalo waiting in the wings.

“We know the roster has a number of weaknesses that need to be addressed prior to the start of the season. It’s going to take some work and some good luck to get them filled.”