Colorado Avalanche Western Conference Standings – Hockey Writers – Colorado Avalanche

Before the Colorado Avalanche take the ice in their home opener against the Los Angeles Kings on September 29, something needs to be clarified. Despite a shocking sweep at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals, not to mention the start of the new season, the Avalanche are still the class of the conference entering the new season.

Some believe the Avalanche have regressed and it would be hard to argue that they have gotten better. But when you look at the Avalanche’s build for 2026-27, it’s clear that they’ll be among the few betting favorites to lift the Stanley Cup.

High Level Depth

The Avalanche shook things up by dealing Russian winger Valeri Nichushkin this offseason. They also dealt Ross Colton to the Nashville Predators, brought back several depth pieces and rebounded.

The Avalanche still have excellent depth throughout their lineup. They signed veteran winger Jaden Schwartz, who can play anywhere in the middle six and provide a good offensive punch for the price.

Zachary L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov, acquired in the Colton trade, bring physicality, hustle, and defensive responsibility to the fourth line. Logan O’Connor will return for a full season as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Most importantly, Avalanche has flexibility. Nazem Kadri and Nicolas Roy are both capable of playing third-line center, and Kadri can move up to the top six and add to the power play. No matter how you slice it, the Avalanche have solid depth throughout their roster and may have no choice but to send the promising Gavin Brindley back to the minors.

Elite Defense and Goaltending

Colorado’s defensive core may be short on depth but man for man, it can compete with anyone in the league. All-world defender Cale Makar can make any team dangerous, but it starts with him.

Devon Toews continues to be one of the two most underrated defensive backs in the game. Brett Kulak, who re-signed to a five-year contract, is a tough, unflappable veteran who fits in well after being acquired last season. Sam Malinski looks poised to fill out the top four as another tough, smart, smooth skating defenseman.

Josh Manson and Brent Burns are back to provide a veteran bottom pairing. Both are capable of playing top four minutes when pressed into action, and will make the Avalanche tough to play against regardless of who is on the ice.

Arguably, the Avalanche return the best tandem in the league in Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. Wedgewood had the best season of his career in 2025-26, and many felt he should have at least been nominated for the Vezina Trophy. On the other hand, Blackwood has proven to be a capable starter and is good at sharing the load with others.

The Avalanche have still been linked to all-world goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, which would make them very scary, but that sounds like a pipe dream at this point.

The Best Star Power in the NHL

Other teams have star power, but none have the kind of elite star power that the Avalanche have. Nathan MacKinnon remains one of the most dangerous and explosive players in the NHL, as he finished third in the league in scoring with 127 points on the season after winning the 2024 Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP.

Makar is the undisputed best defenseman in the NHL, a player who has reached 90 points before and appears to still have room to grow. Martin Necas, acquired in the Mikko Rantanen trade, proved himself to be the only player in his first 100-point season.

The Avalanche are no longer in a position to finish with three top 10 scorers – they finished with three of the top 16 in 2023-24. Avalanche can bury opponents often because of the three-headed monster they can unleash at any time.

Cup or Bust (Again)

In fact, nothing has changed in the Avalanche except for the motivation factor. After being crowned champions for most of the 2025-26 season, the deficit should give the Avalanche added motivation to return to the top of the mountain.

They have the talent, the depth, the defense, and the intent of running back. With the stars of this team in their prime, the Avalanche aren’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future.