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In the world of sports management, front office executives are often advised to favor an affinity for players rather than deep emotional attachments. This wisdom appears not lost on the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets, as both franchises opt to bet on continuity despite recent playoff disappointments. This approach was solidified on Wednesday when the Avalanche re-signed free agent Brock Nelson to a three-year, $22.5 million contract, ensuring the team's strongest opening day roster since their championship-winning season in 2022.

The decision to retain Nelson sends clear signal: General manager Chris MacFarland and head coach Jared Bednar are now under the microscope. Colorado's commitment to taking bold risks is commendable, but another early playoff exit must have repercussions. A poor start, such as a 9-15-1 record, could spell the end for Bednar, no matter his reputation or accomplishments.

The Avalanche currently find themselves in a precarious position, akin to what the Nuggets experienced. They believe their squad has potential for a Stanley Cup victory. However, should this strategy falter, even key players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Gabe Landeskog, Val Nichushkin, and MacKenzie Blackwood might find themselves on the trade block.

Joe Sakic, the team president, expressed his intent last month to maintain the core of the team, with Nelson always being part of the larger plan. Although initially seen as an overpay, the deal aligns with the Avalanche's need for a competent second-line center. Paying $7.5 million annually for Nelson might seem excessive, but the alternative of scrambling for a solution at the trade deadline has proven ineffective in past seasons.

Potential candidates for the second-line center spot, such as Calum Ritchie and Casey Mittelstadt, were traded last season, leaving limited viable options. Brock Nelson, as the second-best free-agent center behind Sam Bennett from Florida, had leverage, especially with Minnesota prepared to make a substantial offer to bring him back. With the salary cap expected to rise in the coming years, market values are also shifting.

Criticism of Nelson's deal may persist, but his fit on a line with Landeskog and Nichushkin provides significant depth, which is crucial for a team eyeing another championship. However, in securing Nelson, MacFarland has confined himself to limited roster flexibility. This likely means buying out Miles Wood and offloading Ross Colton once his no-trade clause becomes flexible on July 1.

Adding to MacFarland's challenge, Martin Necas's performance is now critical. Necas, eligible for a new contract, could demand over $10 million if he achieves a 100-point season alongside MacKinnon. Rumors speculate Necas's potential trade, but such a move could undo the progress made from the Mikko Rantanen deal, casting a shadow over MacFarland's decisions.

While parallels exist between the Avalanche and Nuggets, their situations aren't identical. For the Nuggets, dreaming of surpassing the Thunder and Timberwolves without substantial changes is unrealistic. Conversely, the Avalanche remain in a more favorable position. With a squandered two-goal lead against the Stars in Game 7, they were tantalizingly close to advancing further and possibly favored in subsequent matchups.

Ultimately, the Avalanche's decision to stay loyal to core players like Nelson reveals a calculated gamble. The upcoming season will determine whether this strategy was wise or misguided.