Report: Avalanche won't make a big free-agent splash on July 1

Everyone knows the Colorado Avalanche are in need of some quality defensemen, but it doesn't appear they will be going after the Kevin Shattenkirks and Karl Alzners of the world.

The Avs will not be "in on the big players" when free agency begins on July 1, a team spokesman told Mike Chambers of The Denver Post.

Given the steep price pending free-agent defensemen are already going for, this might be a smart move for Colorado. Middling blue-liners such as Brendan Smith and Kris Russell have required $4 million per season or more.

Neither of these players would catapult the Avs into playoff territory, so they're better off saving their money for a rainy day.

General manager Joe Sakic's top priority this offseason is likely finding a trade partner for dynamic forward Matt Duchene. So it's possible Sakic could make some headlines on July 1, but it won't be because of a big-name free-agent signing.