Paul Stastny's agent: 'Nothing imminent' in contract talks with Avalanche

28-year old Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny is poised to become the most heavily sought after player on the unrestricted free-agent market this summer, that is unless the Avalanche can get his autograph on a contract extension before July 1st. 

It would appear that the Avalanche and the star center aren't particularly close to agreeing on a new deal, however, and Stastny's agent Matt Keator told the Denver Post's Adrian Dater this week that "nothing is imminent." 

Explained Dater on his Hockey Talk podcast (per Mike Halford of Pro Hockey Talk): "I think the Avalanche are interested in re-signing him, but I think it’s really touchy right now."

Stastny just completed a 60-point campaign for a much improved Avalanche side, and if he hits the open market, should have no problem finding a club that will match the $6.6 million salary he's earned over the past five seasons. A consistent point producer and a massively under-rated two-way centerman; Stastny will be truly peerless if he gets to free-agency.

While Stastny makes sense as a big ticket item for any number of NHL clubs, he arguably makes less sense at that dollar figure in Colorado. Even without Stastny, the Avalanche are loaded with quality centermen in Ryan O'Reilly, Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon, and even John Mitchell and Max Talbot a bit further down the lineup. 

With O'Reilly due a significant raise this summer (his qualifying offer alone will cost $6.5 million), and MacKinnon due his big payday in the summer of 2016 - it may be prudent for the cost-conscious Avalanche to spend their resources elsewhere. Like on a credible NHL-caliber top-four defenseman or two.

[H/T Pro Hockey Talk]