Blake Comeau will not return to Avs, Bernier not looking likely either

Blake Comeau, who had a solid season with the Avalanche but was the team’s second-oldest player and a potential unrestricted free agent, will not be offered a new contract by the team, BSN Denver has learned.

Comeau, 32, will go to the open market on July 1, and can listen to other teams’ potential interest in him starting Sunday in the NHL’s “interview” week.

In addition to the Avs’ decision on Comeau, it is looking increasingly unlikely that veteran goaltender Jonathan Bernier will be re-signed. While the door has not officially closed – and Bernier’s agent, Pat Brisson, is likely to chat tonight with Avs GM Joe Sakic at the NHL draft in Dallas – it appears likely that the Avs will move on from Bernier.

The Avs have yet to make a formal offer to Bernier, and with Bernier eligible to be UFA and want somewhere probably in the $3 million-plus range on his next deal, it doesn’t appear to fit into the Avs’ budget plans. There has been speculation the Avs might be trying to trade for another goalie, with Washington’s Phillip Grubauer being mentioned.

BSN Denver’s AJ Haefele and Jesse Montano are in Dallas for the draft, so be sure to follow them on Twitter for the latest news from there.