NHL Central Division: Team Offense Comparison For 2016-17

By Colin Likas

Sep 2, 2016

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central division

Mar 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) is congratulated for his goal by defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 6: Colorado Avalanche

There are certainly some really exciting pieces in the mountains (at the base of the mountains). And if Jarome Iginla was 10 years younger, it’d be even better for the Avs. But the excitement doesn’t really trickle down after just a few forwards, and the defense also doesn’t offer much offensively.

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It all starts with Nathan MacKinnon for Colorado. He’s one of the more talented players in the league, and he’s just 21 years old. If he had more help, he could far surpass the 52 points he put up last season, and his career-high 63 in his rookie season.

Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog and Iginla put in good work on offense. Tyson Barrie can make things go from the back end. But, kind of like the Wild, things tail off after that. Carl Soderberg, Blake Comeau and Joe Colborne are fairly productive, but quite the drop from the previously-mentioned guys.

The Avs finished with the same number of goals last season as the Wild, 216. But they get a bump up because the top of their roster is offensively stronger than the top of Minnesota’s.

Next: Number 5