As the NHL and NHLPA aim to ratify the new CBA by the weekend, the Avalanche needs to settle one issue of their own, and that's signing forward Ryan O'Reilly, reports the Denver Post.
O'Reilly, 21, remains in Russia for the moment after signing a two-year pact with Metallurg of the KHL as a restricted free agent during the work stoppage.
However, the contract does have an out-clause, if the Avalanche or any other NHL team offer him a more lucrative deal, he can return to the NHL
While O'Reilly's camp and Avs management cannot officially begin negotiating a new contract extension until the new CBA is ratified, O'Reilly maintains that if a more lucrative deal is to be offered by the Avalanche, he would return to Colorado.
In 81 games with the Avalanche last season, O'Reilly posted 18 goals and 37 assists for 55 points.
