Report: Stastny, Avalanche unable to reach deal; forward set to hit the open market

Paul Stastny and the Colorado Avalanche were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract Monday, meaning the highly-coveted center will officially hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, as per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Widely regarded as the best available free agent, Stastny is believed to be working towards shortening his list of possible destinations.

According to Pierre LeBrun on TSN's Insider Trading, Stastny could still sign with the Avalanche, with the St. Louis Blues serving as a frontrunner. 

Beyond that, Stastny, who has no desire to take a pay cut, may simply choose to accept the highest possible offer.