Avalanche Briefs SALARY CAP LIMITS COLORADO MOVES

For several weeks, the Avalanche’s struggles again have raised the issue of possible shake-ups, or “blowing up” the six-man core of younger players with lucrative long-term contracts. But with Colorado ending 2016 close to the NHL’s $73 million salary cap, the options are limited, at least short term. Estimates of Avalanche cap space range from $669,000 (capfriendly.com) to $2.7 million (spotrac.com).

With Semyon Varlamov injured and Colorado temporarily playing three goaltenders, the picture is a bit tweaked. But Colorado has about $52 million in cap hits committed for next season, with the following from the current roster potentially coming off the books:

• Unrestricted free agents — Jarome Iginla ($5.3 million cap hit this season), Fedor Tyutin ($2 million), John Mitchell ($1.8 million), Rene Bourque ($650,000), Andreas Martinsen ($640,000), Cody Goloubef ($750,000) and Jeremy Smith ($675,000).

• Restricted free agents — Eric Gelinas ($1.575 million), Mikhail Grigorenko ($1.3 million), Nikita Zadorov ($894,167) and Patrick Wiercioch ($800,000).

Among the potential restricted free agents, at least Zadorov likely would get a qualifying offer and a significant raise over his entry-level deal.

Also, the buyout of Brad Stuart, on the books at $3.6 million this season, will be completed.

Varlamov (groin muscle issues) was unavailable for the fourth consecutive game Saturday against the Rangers, and Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said before the game that Varlamov wouldn’t make the upcoming trip for games at Vancouver on Monday and at Calgary on Wednesday. The Avalanche didn’t have a morning skate, but Varlamov went on the ice on his own.

“He’s going to stay back and get ready to keep advancing his rehab,” Bednar said.

Calvin Pickard again got the start in net for Colorado against the Rangers, with the recalled Jeremy Smith backing him up.

Smith has been the backup at San Antonio behind Spencer Martin, and Bednar said the Avalanche staff at least would talk about the possibility of again recalling Martin for the trip and returning Smith to the Rampage.

“It’s certainly something we’re considering,” Bednar said.

Martin has suited up for Colorado as Pickard’s backup in five games, Smith for three games, when Varlamov has been injured. But going into the meeting with the Rangers, neither Martin nor Smith had gotten in a game.

The Avs’ healthy scratches against the Rangers were Goloubef and Joe Colborne.