Report: Avalanche, Landeskog 'not even close' in contract talks

The Colorado Avalanche and captain Gabriel Landeskog are struggling to find common ground in contract negotiations with free agency nearing, TSN's Darren Dreger reported during Tuesday's edition of "Insider Trading."

"I'm told the two sides are not even close in their negotiations to extend Landeskog," Dreger said. "The position of the Colorado Avalanche is going to have to change significantly, according to sources, or absolutely Landeskog will go to market."

Dreger added, "(It's) early in the process, there's no doubt about that, but the position on both sides doesn't look very strong right now."

Landeskog is set for unrestricted free agency come July 28 if he doesn't strike a deal with Colorado, which drafted him second overall in 2011.

The Avalanche have a projected $25 million in cap space this summer, according to Cap Friendly, but also need to strike new deals with goaltender Philipp Grubauer and star defenseman Cale Makar. Additionally, perennial Hart Trophy nominee Nathan MacKinnon is eligible for a contract extension after the 2021-22 season.

The St. Louis Blues are reportedly preparing a "full pitch effort" to sign Landeskog if he hits the open market.

The 28-year-old is bound to have plenty of suitors, as he led all impending UFA forwards with 52 points in 2021. Landeskog also has 45 points in 49 career playoff games and plays a physical brand of hockey that many general managers and coaches covet.

Landeskog's last contract paid him $5.57 million per season.