As the Colorado Avalanche prepare for the upcoming NHL season, optimism surrounds the franchise, fueled by key player returns and strategic roster adjustments. With captain Gabriel Landeskog making a comeback and the addition of veteran defenseman Brent Burns, the Avalanche have their sights set on a deep playoff run this year.
The team's preseason has seen mixed results, highlighted by a recent loss to the Vegas Golden Knights that ended their perfect preseason record. Despite this setback, the Avalanche have shown promise, particularly with the offensive contributions from new acquisition Victor Olofsson and the continued development of stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Coach Jared Bednar, entering his tenth season, remains focused on building a cohesive unit that can capitalize on their top-tier talent.
A significant storyline is the contract situation of winger Martin Necas, whose future with the team is uncertain as he approaches free agency. The Avalanche are under pressure to secure a deal, especially after the Minnesota Wild's extension of Kirill Kaprizov, which sets a high bar for contracts across the league. Insiders suggest that if negotiations stall, a trade could be on the horizon, adding another layer of intrigue as the season nears.
Roster moves have also been prominent in recent days, with the Avalanche trimming their lineup in preparation for the season opener against the Los Angeles Kings on October 7. After making five cuts, including sending players to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, the team now sits at 29 players, narrowing down their roster ahead of the regular season.
As the Avalanche look to bounce back from a disappointing first-round exit last season, the blend of returning talent, new leadership, and potential roster changes could be the formula needed for another championship run. With the season just around the corner, all eyes will be on how the Avalanche harness their expectations and navigate the challenges ahead.