San Jose, Calif. – The answer is no. The Avalanche could not buy out the contract of goaltender Jose Theodore for the rest of this season to clear salary cap space even if the team wanted.
Under NHL collective bargaining bylaws, the Avs cannot begin to think about buying out the remainder of Theodore’s contract until the offseason – and would have to do so before the start of the first game next season.
Theodore, who did not start for a ninth straight game Monday night, is slated to make $6 million next season. He is making $5.5 million this season, but his salary cap number to the Avs is $5.3 million.
If the Avs choose to buy out Theodore’s last year, they will take a $4 million hit against the 2007-08 cap. The only way the Avs will not have at least a $4 million hit against the cap from Theodore’s contract is if they trade him.
Theodore’s diminished status is becoming more of an undercurrent topic around the Avs, especially among the fans. The former Hart Trophy winner has maintained a supportive posture toward current starter Peter Budaj. But his situation is a big topic in league circles.
Avalanche coach Joel Quenne- ville said the team has not lost faith in Theodore but is going with Budaj, the hotter goalie. The Avs have not bought out a player since the new collective bargaining agreement started in 2005.
Footnotes
Avalanche defenseman Patrice Brisebois (back) missed his ninth straight game. His status for Wednesday’s game against Phoenix will be evaluated today…. Defender Jordan Leopold (groin) skated Monday with the Avs and is nearing a return….Winger Antti Laaksonen was a healthy scratch for Colorado….Entering the game against the Sharks, the Avs were 81-29-24-7 in the month of January since 1995….The Avalanche had more double-digit scorers (eight) than any team in the league entering Monday.
