Goalie Philipp Grubauer wants to re-sign with Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer could be in for a big payday if he hits unrestricted free agency after he went 30-9-1 with a 1.95 goals-against average and .922 save percentage during the 2020-21 NHL regular season.

Per the league's website, though, Grubauer said at Sunday's MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game he "100 percent" wants to remain with the Avalanche.

"I think we have an incredible team next year, too," he explained. "(General manager) Joe (Sakic) and (assistant GM Chris MacFarland), they always do a great job putting a team together that's performing at a high level and playing in the (Stanley Cup Playoffs). And I want to be a part of that.

"Everything is uncertain right now. Every team is waiting for the expansion draft. I would love to stay in Denver. Denver has become home. I love the team, love the organization. So it would be nice to work something out."

The 29-year-old won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018, and the Avalanche are early betting favorites to hoist the Cup next year after winning the Presidents' Trophy for finishing this past regular season with the league's best record. Colorado fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the playoffs. 

Grubauer was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to the NHL's best goalie, that was won by Vegas' Marc-Andre Fleury.