NHL Power Rankings: Pre-Training Camp Edition

Apr 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center

(9) during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

22. Colorado Avalanche

The Avs followed up their playoff appearance and Central Division title two seasons ago by falling flat and finishing last in the division last year.

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There’s plenty of firepower on Colorado’s roster. Jarome Iginla and Gabriel Landeskog led the team with 59 points in 2014-15. Matt Duchene scored 21 goals and Nathan MacKinnon had a decent season with 38 points in 64 games a year ago.

The problems lie on the blue line for Colorado. Acquiring Francois Beauchemin from Anaheim is a short-term fix, but there aren’t many long-term solutions outside of Tyson Barrie. Semyon Varlamov is a serviceable goaltender, but isn’t elite.

The Avalanche managed to post 90 points after a slow start to the 2014-15 season. They haven’t made too many big moves during the offseason and will need better play from the defensemen to ascend back into the playoffs.

Next: Next: No. 21

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