Outlook
The 2017-18 season for the Colorado Avalanche is an important one. Winning will be an afterthought. In fact, one could argue winning is counterproductive to their rebuild, which will require an infusion of top level players and prospects. The NHL Draft Lottery might not guarantee the worst team the first overall pick, but it does ensure they get a very early draft pick.
As the season progresses, more young players should replace older and departed players. And that’s a good thing. The Avalanche have some intriguing young players. It’s integral they figure out precisely what they have in them. If the Avalanche can find even one or two keepers among them, that would significantly help their rebuild.
Prediction
It’s hard to see the Colorado Avalanche finishing close to a postseason spot. There’s a very good chance they’ll be the worst team in the NHL. Should Duchene and/or Landeskog get traded, those chances get much higher.
However, there are some reasons for Avalanche fans to be excited for the 2017-18 season. If Andrighetto can stick on the first line, they picked up a building piece for virtually nothing. Those are the kind of moves that can help a team go through a quick rebuild.
Jost is an exciting player who will hopefully be given the playing time he needs to develop. Yes, he’ll make mistakes. But Jost will likely be better for being allowed to make them (and learn from them). MacKinnon is one of the most fun players in the NHL to watch. He’s worth the price of admission.