The Colorado Avalanche enter the new season once again as a top contender in the Western Conference. However, there are a few red flags when it comes to their defensive depth. Last year, 13 different defensemen suited up in an Avs jersey. That’s a telltale sign both of injuries and lineup shuffling due to the mix not being quite right.
Five of those players have since moved on, and Colorado has added two new names: Brent Burns and Ronnie Attard. Attard has limited NHL experience, spending most of his career to date in the AHL. He’s been a big scorer at lower levels but has defensive question marks. His explosive slap shot and imposing size haven’t been used to their potential at the top level. Meanwhile Burns, now 40, is coming off a year where age finally started to show in Carolina.
On paper, the Avalanche still look strong, but if the top four suffers any major injuries, the cracks could widen quickly. Let’s look at the pairings.
Avalanche First Pairing: Makar and Toews
You can’t start anywhere else but with Cale Makar. He’s not just the best defenseman in the NHL. He’s arguably one of the most dynamic players in the league, period.
Coming off a 92-point campaign — including 30 goals — Makar brings an element to Colorado’s blue line that no other team can replicate. He’s essentially an elite forward playing on defense, which is an enormous advantage.
His partner, Devon Toews, remains one of the most underrated defensemen in hockey. At 31, Toews delivers steady two-way play, logging 24 minutes a night, killing plays in his own zone, and still chipping in around 45–50 points.
Together, Makar and Toews are a complete package: offense, defense, leadership, and consistency. This is one of the best pairings in the NHL and the foundation of the Avalanche’s defense.
Second Pairing: Girard and Manson
The second pair carries more questions. Samuel Girard is an excellent puck mover but undersized and prone to injuries. When he’s in the lineup, he can log 20+ minutes and move the puck effectively, but he hasn’t always been able to stay healthy.
Beside him is Josh Manson, the physical presence this group desperately needs. At 33, Manson still skates well and brings grit, but he’s also dealt with injury trouble in two of the last three years.
If Girard and Manson can remain in the lineup together, this pairing can provide a nice balance of puck movement and toughness. If not, the Avs will need to start plugging holes.
Third Pairing: Malinski and Burns
The bottom pair has an interesting look. Sam Malinski, a 27-year-old late bloomer, earned a regular spot last year and gave Colorado steady, low-event hockey in a sheltered role. He’s reliable enough to play 15 minutes a night without hurting the team.
On the other side is Brent Burns, who joins Colorado after three years in Carolina. Burns isn’t the force he once was, but in a third-pair role against softer matchups, he can still contribute offensively and provide leadership.
If he’s managed correctly, Burns could give the Avalanche an edge — especially on the power play or in spot duty if the top four runs into injury problems.
Depth and Concerns with Avalanche D Corps
The Avalanche blue line looks elite if everyone stays healthy. Makar and Toews are dominant, Girard and Manson can be effective if they remain available, and Burns gives Colorado a veteran fallback option. But the margin for error is thin.
One injury to the top four could expose the lack of proven depth, especially since Attard is untested at the NHL level.
Colorado’s cap situation is actually very tight, leaving them with little flexibility. With limited space and only 19 players on the roster, their ability to make moves is restricted.
The Avs will have to be careful and creative if they want to shore up the blue line, as bold trades won’t come easy under these constraints.
Final Word
The Avalanche’s defense could be a strength or a liability depending on health.
With Makar leading the way, they have the best defenseman in the NHL and one of the league’s most dominant pairings alongside Toews. Girard and Manson can form a reliable second unit, while Burns and Malinski give the third pair a blend of experience and stability.
If Colorado can keep the core intact, this defense is good enough to carry them deep in the playoffs.
But if the injuries pile up again, the cracks will show, and GM Chris MacFarland may need to step in with reinforcements.
