As the Colorado Avalanche prepare for the 2025-26 NHL season, expectations are soaring in the Mile High City. With the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog and the addition of veteran defenseman Brent Burns, the Avalanche are looking to rebound from a disappointing early playoff exit last season.
The Avalanche's roster adjustments have been a focal point this past week. Notably, they reassigned several players including Wyatt Aamodt and Danil Gushchin, narrowing their preseason roster ahead of the season opener on October 7 against the Los Angeles Kings. This streamlining is crucial as head coach Jared Bednar looks to finalize combinations that will maximize the potential of a team that finished last season with a 49-29-4 record.
One of the central storylines is the contract situation of forward Martin Necas. As a pending unrestricted free agent, the pressure is mounting to secure a contract extension. The recent hefty deal signed by Kirill Kaprizov with the Minnesota Wild has added urgency to Necas's negotiations, with speculation that the Avalanche might have to explore trade options if a deal can't be reached.
Despite the challenges, the Avalanche's preseason has been promising. They maintained an undefeated record until recently, suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights. This loss highlighted some areas for improvement, but also showcased the resilience of key players like Nathan MacKinnon and newcomer Ross Colton, who have been pivotal in generating offensive momentum.
As the Avalanche aim for another shot at the Stanley Cup, the focus will be on their ability to harness their top talents while integrating new players effectively. The combination of experienced leadership and youthful energy could be the formula for success in the upcoming season, and fans are eager to see if this squad can reclaim its status as a championship contender.