The next team in our team overviews is the Stanley Cup Champion, Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche were an unstoppable force last season. They had a high-powered offense driven by great defense and elite forwards. The Avalanche maintained the core of their cup winning team outside of Nazem Kadri and their goalie Darcy Kuemper. They were able to lock up Nathan Mackinnon on a 9 x $12.6 million contract, making him the highest paid player in the league. They re-signed vital parts of their cup run in players: Valeri Nichushkin, who has blossomed into a fantastic two-way forward, Artturi Lehkonen, another outstanding two-way forward, defenseman Josh Manson, and depth forward Andrew Cogliano. The Avalanche also added goalie, Alexandar Georgiev, from the Rangers to solidify their tandem in net. With the retention of these key players, the stars in Colorado do not have to shine as bright, even though they will. Cale Makar is the most gifted defenseman in the league. With his ability to skate, make elite defensive plays, a dominating offensive presence, and his incredible transition skills, he sets himself apart from every other defenseman in the league. Makar has the ability to score 30 goals and get 100 points if he plays the entire season. The Avs also have another top 10 defenseman in the NHL with Devon Toews. Toews has elevated his game each season since he has come over from the Islanders and completes the best D pairing in the league with Makar. They also have the young stud Bowen Byram, the Avalanche took Byram 4th overall in the 2019 draft and has become one of the best young defensemen in the league. Colorado has 5 defensemen on their team who are worthy of playing in a top 2 or top 4 role with any team in the league, which is truly incredible. Their forwards are just as good. Led by Nathan Mackinnon and Mikko Rantanen, this offensive group has the ability to score at will. Their first line with Mackinnon, Rantanen, and Lehkonen was a powerhouse in the playoffs, and is slated to play with each other to start the season together. They also have their captain, Gabriel Landeskog, has transitioned into a second line player, but puts up 70 points and 30 goals each year when he stays healthy. However, Landeskog is going to be out for the beginning of the season and is going to leave a hole on that second line. A question the Avalanche are going to have is how will Alex Newhook develop this season. Newhook is taking over Kadri's spot as the second line center and is 21. Newhook was a first round draft pick by the Avs in 2019, and had 33 points in 71 games last season in a 3rd and 4th line role. This should excite the Avalanche. He is going to fit in nicely in that role and playing with 2 successful veterans such as Nichushkin and Landeskog will only help the young forward. Colorado also has the luxury of having one of the best 3rd line centers in the league, JT Compher and one of the better bottom 6 groups in the league. Colorado's goalie situation is the only question they have to answer. They have 2 goalies that have only played in a back-up capacity in Pavel Francouz and Alexandar Georgiev. Francouz stepped up when called upon in the playoffs when Kuemper was hurt, and played very well. Georgiev has been shadowed by the likes of two incredible goalies in Igor Shesterkin and Henrik Lundqvist. It will be interesting to see how they play in a split role, but with this lineup in front of them, I see no issues for the Avalanche. Colorado is going to have another great year. They are going to look to go back-to-back, but will have their hands full with an improved Western Conference. I see a potential Western Conference finals matchup between the Avalanche and the Flames.
Record Prediction- 53-23-7
Playoff Prediction- Yes
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