One of the mainstays of the Avalanche’s blue line is coming back for three more seasons.
Colorado signed defenseman Josh Manson to a two-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season, the team announced on Thursday. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the extension is for $3.95 million per year.
The extension is tacked on top of the final year of his previous four-year contract, as Manson is due to make $4.5 million in 2025-26 as part of that original deal, according to Spotrac.
Manson was limited to 48 games in 2024-25 due to to injury, but when he’s healthy, the 33-year-old’s been one of the most productive defensemen on the roster outside of Cale Makar. Manson was originally acquired by the Avs in a trade with Anaheim on March 14, 2022.
“Josh has been an important member of our blue line since joining the team during the 2022 stretch run,” Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said in a statement. “He is a steady and tough defender who chips in on the offensive side at key times. He is also a veteran leader in our dressing room, and we are excited to have him under contract for another three seasons.”
Manson returned from injury during this past season to appear in all seven playoff games of Colorado’s first-round loss to the Dallas Stars. He had three points in the series, including a goal in each of the final two games.
During the Avs’ run to the 2022 Stanley Cup, Manson was a force. “Manimal” posted career-highs in goals (three), assists (five, which tied his previous high) and points (eight).
In addition to being capable of scoring, the 6-foot-3, 218-pound Manson plays physical. His 443 hits pace the Avs since he debuted with the club in 2022.
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