The Colorado Avalanche go into the 2025-26 season with high expectations. The Avalanche have made the pot season the past eight seasons and have one Stanley Cup to show for it. With subtle changes to the roster, Colorado is still a threat to win another.
Why? They have a good foundation of talent. While losing some talent, they have replaced that talent with players who could be solid additions. Will that be enough?
Avalanche moves in offseason
Colorado is not a team to go out and make several big moves. Instead, they add depth and players who fit their playing style. With stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar carrying the offensive load, the depth is as important as a star in the lineup.
Colorado did add some players for both the NHL club and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. A few of the players that signed with Colorado include forwards T.J. Tynan, defenseman Jack Ahcan, defenseman Ronnie Attard, deffenseman Brent Burns, and forward Alex Barre-Boulet. All of these players agreed to one-year deals.
The losses from last season's roster were minimal but include forward Jonathan Drouin (New York Islanders), defenseman Ryan Lindgren (Seattle Kraken), and defenseman Calle Rosen (Washington Capitals). These holes must be filled by players who need to step up. MacKinnon and Makar can only take this team so far, as the depth players need to play a bigger role in the team's success this season.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season
Of those signed in this offseason, Burns is the only lock to make the main roster, as the others will likely be sent to the AHL Eagles. A full season of Gabriel Landeskog will be a tremendous boost to the lineup as his all-around game was missed most of last season.
Can goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood continue his stellar play in the Avalanche net? Will they be able to overcome the loss to the Dallas Stars in the playoffs last season?Colorado will be one of the more offensively talented teams in the league and will be a force again.
MacKinnon, Makar, and Blackwood will lead the Avalanche again in 2025-26. With few changes this offseason one has to wonder if those moves will be enough to bring home another Stanley Cup.