Central Division Preview: 3 burning questions for the Colorado Avalanche

It wasn’t that long ago when we were thinking the Colorado Avalanche were going to be the National Hockey League’s next franchise. They won the Stanley Cup in 2022 with a talented young core, and it felt like the league was theirs for the taking. They haven’t been bad since, with regular seasons of 109, 107, and 102. But, they have only won one playoff series since winning it all. They still are one of the best teams in the Western Conference, but will they find a way to make a deep postseason run again?

Colorado Avalanche Vitals

2024-25 Record: 49-29-4, 102 points (3rd in Central, lost in first round to Dallas)
Goal Leader: Nathan MacKinnon (32)
Assist Leader: Nathan MacKinnon (84)
Point Leader: Nathan MacKinnon (116)

Additions

Victor Olofsson, LW
Brent Burns, D
Gavin Brindley, C
Danil Gushchin, LW

Subtractions

Jonathan Drouin, LW (NYI)
Charlie Coyle, C (CBJ)
Ryan Lindgren, D (SEA)
Erik Johnson, D (retired)
Miles Wood, LW (CBJ)
Chris Wagner, C (AHL)
Jimmy Vesey, RW (NL)
Jere Innala, LW (SHL)

To get a deeper look at the Avalanche for the upcoming season, I asked three burning questions to Mile High Sticking site expert Graham Tiedtke.

What are the realistic expectations for Gabriel Landeskog this season?

Gabriel Landeskog, from what I gather as someone who isn't able to be at training camp, seems to be doing well since he made his Avalanche return in the 2024-25 postseason. It doesn't appear that he'll be on any limited ice time. 

With that, he'll be on the team's second line, which should provide him with many opportunities to return to the player he once was. If you've watched his recent games since his return (including two in the American Hockey League), you'd come away with a few points, one being that he's a physical player. He enjoys getting into it with his opponents while sticking up for his teammates (he got into a fight during his first preseason game back).

Landeskog will provide his well-known leadership. During his most recent regular season (2021-22), he played in just 51 games, scoring 30 goals and 59 points. 

If there were any concerns about him, in my opinion, he'd be sent to the fourth line to get back into hockey shape. However, it seems to be all positive. If he's able to click with Brock Nelson at center (who he's never played alongside), he could probably put up 30 goals again, maybe more.

The Avalanche have a lot of star power with the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, but is the supporting cast good enough to make a deep run?

Don't forget about Landeskog (as you obviously haven't) and Valeri Nichushkin. Nichushkin missed several months last year due to a suspension, and his absence was completely evident. There needs to be consistency in the lines the Avalanche puts out on the ice every night.

I have no concerns about the top two lines. The bottom two lines are where things get iffy. Victor Olofsson is now on the right wing of the third line, Jack Drury at center, and Ross Colton on the left. Drury has never surpassed 10 goals in a season. He has had two eight-goal seasons in his career, which are career highs. Colton figures to be the big difference maker on that line, in my opinion. If he's able to stay healthy, it's a pretty big bonus for a team whose strengths lie at the top of the lineup.

Lastly, you have Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood at goaltender. I'm a huge fan of them both, especially given what the Avalanche went through early in the year with Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen. It was ugly before those two trades. Blackwood could miss the start of the season as he recovers from offseason surgery.

If Colorado starts slow, it won't be the end of the world. They will just need to get right, and be consistent.

The Avalanche have only won one playoff series since hoisting the Stanley Cup. Is Jared Bednar’s job in jeopardy if there’s another quick postseason exit this spring?

I really hope not. I think Bednar has done pretty well given the cards he was dealt. Nichushkin's suspension, Landeskog's injury, and the team's overall health last season. While it would be nice to be able to make video game trades, the NHL has a relatively small salary cap (compared to, say, the NFL). 

The Avalanche remains a top team in the Central Division, and I think the Dallas Stars will have a rough year following the firing of Pete DeBoer. 

If the Avalanche can't capitalize on the additions they made and the departures elsewhere in the division, then you might have to consider the idea at least if you are Avalanche owner Stan Kroenke.