Jan Hejda likely played his final game with the Avalanche, but the 36-year-old defenseman still has some International Ice Hockey Federation play left in him, and he’ll skate at the upcoming World Championship in his native Czech Republic with a letter on his chest. Hejda on Monday was named alternate captain of the host country’s national team, along with the New Jersey Devils’ Jaromir Jagr. Jakub Voracek of the Philadelphia Flyers was named captain.
Hejda played in 81-of-82 games for the Avs last season, often on the top pairing. But he’s an unrestricted free agent July 1, and given that Colorado has six-of-eight D under contract next season — and the off-season goal is to get better back there — it’s highly unlikely he will be resigned by the Avs.