The Colorado Avalanche enter 2025-26 in an interesting place. On paper, they still have a Stanley Cup contender built around Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
They’ve rebuilt their goaltending, brought in a future Hall of Famer on defense, and even welcomed back captain Gabriel Landeskog after his long layoff.
Yet, for all the firepower and talent, Colorado hasn’t returned to the Western Conference Final since lifting the Cup in 2022.
The big question: is this version of the Avalanche strong enough to finally push past their rivals and make another deep run?
Last Season Recap
Most teams that roll through 40-plus players in a season are usually rebuilding, tearing things down, or just plain struggling. The Avalanche?
They dressed an incredible 49 players in 2024-25 and still finished with 102 points and a playoff spot locked in. That speaks to the pure talent in this lineup, even when chaos hits.
The season didn’t exactly start smooth. Alexandar Georgiev collapsed in the opening months, forcing GM Chris MacFarland to act fast.
He pulled the plug on both Georgiev and backup Justus Annunen, bringing in Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood in separate trades.
The switch completely stabilized the crease and gave Colorado life despite a wave of injuries and suspensions.
But the real bombshell came midseason. Instead of committing big money to Mikko Rantanen, MacFarland and team president Joe Sakic decided to deal him to the Carolina Hurricanes.
On paper, the move made sense: it brought in top-line winger Martin Necas and opened cap space to add veteran center Brock Nelson. For a short while, it looked like a masterstroke.
Then it all came crashing back. Rantanen didn’t stick in Carolina — he landed right back in the Central Division with the Dallas Stars, and of course it was Dallas who eliminated Colorado in Round 1.
Rantanen lit up his old team in Game 7, sending the Avs home early for the third straight year.
So here’s the question hanging over Denver: did Colorado make the right call moving on from “The Moose,” or did they hand a division rival the exact weapon that keeps them from going back to the top of the West?
Offseason Recap: Big Names In and Out
Last season was chaotic for Colorado. They used an NHL-high 49 players, made a shocking midseason trade that sent Mikko Rantanen to Carolina, then watched him sign with the Dallas Stars — the very team that knocked them out of the playoffs. That stung.
To fill the gap, GM Chris MacFarland brought in Martin Necas, whose speed and shot could make him the perfect winger for MacKinnon. He also locked down
Brock Nelson as a veteran center and rebuilt the crease with Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, who were terrific after arriving midseason.
This summer, the Avalanche added Brent Burns, the 40-year-old ironman who brings size, leadership, and depth on defense, plus winger Victor Olofsson for secondary scoring.
Departures included Jonathan Drouin, Ryan Lindgren, Charlie Coyle, Miles Wood, and longtime defender Erik Johnson.
Offense
This team still runs through Nathan MacKinnon, one of the league’s most explosive players. Adding Necas to his line gives Colorado another weapon who can keep up with MacKinnon’s speed and finishing ability.
Artturi Lehkonenadds his usual gritty style, cleaning up rebounds and winning board battles.
The second line is full of question marks. Gabriel Landeskog is finally back after three lost seasons, but can his knee hold up over 82 games?
He’ll play with Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin, a trio that can dominate physically when healthy. The issue is availability — Nichushkin has rarely played a full season, and Landeskog’s return is still unproven.
Depth is thinner than it used to be. Victor Olofsson and Ross Colton will be asked to provide scoring, but Colorado may still need another forward at the deadline to avoid being too top-heavy.
And of course, there’s Cale Makar. He’s officially reached the point where 30 goals from the blue line doesn’t shock anyone. Another 90-plus point season looks likely, and 100 isn’t out of reach.
Defense
The Makar–Devon Toews pairing is still the gold standard across the NHL. Toews doesn’t get the headlines, but his two-way game makes him one of the most complete defensemen in hockey. Together, they tilt the ice against anyone.
Behind them, Samuel Girard and Sam Malinski form a smaller, but steady duo. Girard has lost some of his offensive touch but remains reliable in transition.
Malinski quietly impressed in his first full season.
Josh Manson brings the physical edge this blue line needs, but he’s inconsistent and often hurt. That’s why veteran Brent Burns was signed — not to play 25 minutes, but to bring leadership, experience, and a heavy shot on the third pair.
The defense is solid at the top, but depth will be tested over a long season.
Goaltending
The Avalanche finally stabilized their net last season. Once Blackwood and Wedgewood arrived, the team went from leaking goals to posting top-five defensive numbers the rest of the way.
Blackwood is the wild card. At 28, this could be his true breakout if last season wasn’t a fluke. Wedgewood is a steady veteran who can handle 20–25 starts without issue.
For once, Colorado doesn’t enter a season wondering if goaltending will sink them.
Coaching
Jared Bednar has been on the job a decade now, making him one of the longest-serving coaches in the NHL. He’s built a system around pace and pressure, and with MacKinnon setting the tone, the results usually follow.
Still, the pressure is real. Another first-round exit, fair or not, could cost him his spot. That’s the reality for teams with championship expectations.
A new assistant coach, Dave Hakstol, joins the bench to fix a power play that went ice cold against Dallas. If Colorado’s special teams improve, it could be the difference between another early exit and a deep run.
Rookies & Prospects
Colorado’s pipeline isn’t strong, but a few names stand out. Gavin Brindley, acquired from Columbus, plays with speed and tenacity and might push for a roster spot.
Danil Gushchin brings scoring upside if injuries open a spot. Goalie Trent Miner will serve as insurance behind Blackwood and Wedgewood.
The Avs don’t have many young stars coming, but with their injury history, a rookie or two may get called upon sooner than expected.
Key Storylines for 2025-26
1. Can Colorado Finally Get Past Dallas?
For three straight seasons, the Stars have ended Colorado’s hopes. Dallas couldn’t beat Edmonton, but they’ve consistently had the Avs’ number.
If Colorado wants another shot at the Cup, they need to solve the Stars puzzle — whether that means better depth scoring, a more reliable defense, or trades at the deadline to give Jared Bednar more options.
2. Gabriel Landeskog’s Return
The captain returned in the playoffs last spring after three years out, and he looked like himself: four points in five games, physical play, and leadership.
But can he handle 82 games after that surgery? If Landeskog stays healthy, he’s still one of the best power forwards in the NHL and gives Colorado a much different look up front.
3. The Necas Factor
Colorado can’t afford to mishandle Necas the way they did Rantanen. They traded away an elite scorer and cannot let their big return piece slip away.
Necas is entering his prime with electrifying speed and shooting ability. Keeping him happy and locked up long-term is absolutely critical.
4. Goaltending Stability
The Blackwood–Wedgewood tandem was outstanding after December, cutting Colorado’s goals-against average from 3.72 to 2.42 per game.
If they can repeat that over a full season, the Avalanche will be in the mix to win the Central Division. The concern is whether Blackwood can carry that form into the playoffs.
Projected Lineup
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Victor Olofsson – Jack Drury – Ross Colton
Prospect – Parker Kelly – Joel Kiviranta
Devon Toews – Cale Makar
Samuel Girard – Brent Burns
Sam Malinski – Josh Manson
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood
Prediction: Still Dangerous, But Enough?
The Avalanche have all the pieces to win a division title. With MacKinnon and Makar playing at an MVP and Norris level, anything is possible.
But health remains the X-factor: Landeskog, Nichushkin, and Manson have all missed major time in recent years.
The truth is simple: to make another deep run, Colorado needs to stay healthy, keep Necas in the fold, and finally solve the Dallas Stars problem. Otherwise, another first or second-round exit is very possible.
If everything goes right, though, don’t be surprised if the Avalanche are battling Vegas in May for a trip back to the Stanley Cup Final.
