Avalanche season preview: Colorado retools roster with Cup window still open

The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins Sept. 29. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Colorado Avalanche.

Last season: 55-16-11, first in Central Division; lost in Western Conference Final

Coach: Jared Bednar (11th season)

Biggest challenge

Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood shared the William Jennings Trophy as the goalies on the team that allowed the fewest goals in the League last season (197). Wedgewood's 31 wins were more than his previous two seasons combined, during which he bounced between three teams (Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, Avalanche), and he led the NHL in goals-against average (2.02) and save percentage (.921; minimum 20 games). Blackwood missed the first month of the season because of an injury but returned to post a 2.51 GAA, the best of his eight NHL seasons, and win 23 games, his second-most. But can they play at that level again? The Avalanche returning most of the roster that finished with a plus-7.6 shot differential and 26.1 shots on goal allowed per game should make life easier on the goalies. But it could be a big ask to have them repeat last season's play.

How they make playoffs

The Avalanche have most of the same group back that scored the most goals in the NHL (298) and allowed the fewest (197). Nathan MacKinnon, who won the Rocket Richard Trophy after scoring a League-high 53 goals, anchors arguably the best top-six forward group in the NHL, and the unit got deeper and younger with the signing of six-time 20-goal scorer Jaden Schwartz and the additions of Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L'Heureux from the Nashville Predators. Cale Makar, who finished second in voting for the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman in the NHL, leads a defense that excels at moving the puck up the ice while also being diligent in its own end. The only thing standing between the Avalanche and their 10th straight trip to the postseason would be a rash of injuries.

Most intriguing addition

When the Avalanche acquired L'Heureux, Colorado president of hockey operations Joe Sakic said, "He's the type of player that we're looking for. We wish we had that player in the playoffs. He's going to bring a lot of enthusiasm, excitement, physicality." The 23-year-old plays a fearless, physical style and has averaged 14.53 hits per 60 minutes of ice time during his two NHL seasons; the Avalanche leader during that span was Ross Colton (10.17), who was traded during the offseason. Making sure L'Heureux stays disciplined will be key; he was suspended three times totaling four games the previous two seasons in the American Hockey League and has 84 penalty minutes in 87 NHL games.

Biggest potential surprise

Ilya Nabokov will play his first full season in North America in 2026-27 after the 23-year-old goalie signed a two-year, entry-level contact May 30. He was 68-37-14 with a 2.35 GAA, .918 save percentage and seven shutouts in 130 games in three full Kontinental Hockey League seasons, and as a rookie in 2023-24 was voted most valuable player of the KHL playoffs to help Magnitogorsk win the Gagarin Cup. Nabokov is expected to start the season with Colorado of the American Hockey League, but if Wedgewood or Blackwood falter, Nabokov certainly would be next line.

Ready to contribute

Svechkov could see a bump in playing time as the Avalanche have said they would like to get more ice time for younger players this season. The 23-year-old averaged 12:05 in 70 games for Nashville last season, but that could increase, especially if he sees time on the penalty kill; with the departures of Jack Drury and Valeri Nichushkin, Colorado lost two of its top four forwards in short-handed ice time from last season. Svechkov's speed and hockey IQ make him a potential add to a unit that was No. 1 in the NHL last season at 84.6 percent.

Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats

Sam Malinski, D: He set NHL career highs in points (40 in 82 games), goals (eight), assists (32), shots on goal (164) and average ice time (17:37 per game) last season. Malinski was tied for the third-best rating in the NHL (plus-43; behind only teammates Nathan MacKinnon, plus-57, and Martin Necas, plus-47) last season. Over the past two seasons, Malinski ranks second on the Avalanche in blocked shots (202) and second among Colorado defensemen in hits (103). Per NHL EDGE stats, Malinski ranked among the defenseman leaders in long-range shots on goal (94; 97th percentile), 20-plus mph speed bursts (116; 96th percentile) and mid-range shots on goal (40; 95th percentile). The 28-year-old had 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in his final 20 regular-season games last season, averaging 19:44 per game over that span, and is a full-fledged breakout candidate attainable in the late rounds (fantasy average draft position: 140.2). -- Chris Meaney

Projected lineup

Artturi Lehkonen -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Martin Necas

Nazem Kadri -- Brock Nelson -- Gabriel Landeskog

Jaden Schwartz -- Nicolas Roy -- Logan O'Connor

Parker Kelly -- Fedor Svechkov -- Zachary L'Heureux

Devon Toews -- Cale Makar

Brett Kulak -- Sam Malinski

Josh Manson -- Brent Burns

Scott Wedgewood

Mackenzie Blackwood