The month of August is not exactly considered a prime time for landing big name free agents, nevertheless its when many of the best value deals are struck. Most impact players have long since signed expensive (and potentially franchise crippling) deals, while unsigned players are desperately trying to stay in the league.
Last summer we saw some quality players reluctantly accept Professional Try Outs (PTOs) as the salary cap has forced frugality across the league. The Avalanche gave out three PTOs last year, but ended up only signing Jack Skille.
This season the Avs have an obvious hole in their forward group and are tight against the cap ceiling with only ~$1.