Here’s a full 2025-26 season outlook for the Colorado Avalanche — covering a recap of 2024-25, what to expect this season, roster moves, projected depth charts (offense & defence), and a prediction for how the year might go.
2024-25 Recap
The Avalanche entered the 2024-25 season coming off a strong core and expectations of contending, but in many ways the year turned into a “good but not great” campaign that exposed some cracks.
Regular Season
- Colorado finished with a 49-29-4 record for 102 points, placing 3rd in the Central Division.
- They scored 273 goals (6th in the NHL) and allowed 231 (11th) — so the team was solid offensively and decent defensively.
- After a rough start (they lost their first four games for the first time since 1998-99) they mounted a recovery.
- Despite having to rebuild on the fly with mid-season roster adjustments, they locked in the playoffs for the 8th straight year.
Playoffs
- The Avalanche faced the Dallas Stars in the first round and were eliminated in seven games (4-3) to Dallas.
- That marks another year in which Colorado did not make a deep run — meaningful given the expectations for a franchise with a recent championship window.
Key Observations / What Worked & What Didn’t
What worked:
- The top end of the roster remained elite. For instance, the defence of Cale Makar continued to shine. Analysts gave him an A overall for his 2024-25 season for his offensive production and work rate.
- The offence still ranked among the better units in the league — 6th in goals for is a strong figure.
- Goaltending and defence, which had been concerns, received some shake-ups mid-season to stabilize the team.
What didn’t work / concerns:
- Depth remains an issue: when things go awry or injuries hit, the Avalanche have shown vulnerability.
- The goaltender/ defence transition was messy; while improvements were made, consistency in net and the backend remains a question.
- In the playoffs, they were unable to close the deal in a Game 7 scenario again. The fact they lost another series to Dallas raises questions about mental toughness, playoff readiness, and match-ups.
- The margin for error is shrinking: the window to win now is active, so internal and external pressure mounts.
In summary: Colorado remains a contender but is at a crossroads — still in the title window, but needing to shore up weaknesses and make meaningful improvements if they want to go from first round exit to deep run.
2025-26 Outlook
Heading into 2025-26, the Avalanche still have the core pieces required to contend. But they also face decisions about how to support that core, manage the salary cap, and ensure roster balance. According to preseason previews, Colorado is in a “retooling while contending” phase.
What to watch
- Core health and performance: Players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar (see above), and others must continue to carry the heavy load.
- Roster balance: Can Colorado build enough secondary scoring, defensive depth, and a reliable goaltending tandem so that the team doesn’t collapse if one piece falters?
- Cap & contract decisions: With big salaries on the books (see cap breakdowns) they need to make smart additions and avoid being top-heavy.
- Close-out ability in playoffs: As noted, postseason success has eluded them — changing that will require not just talent but mindset, match-up management, and health.
- Integration of new players / development of younger pieces: The Avalanche will need their younger players or lesser-used veterans to step up.
Key storylines
- The trade of Mikko Rantanen that shipped away a big name to balance the roster signals the team is adjusting expectations internally.
- The goaltending tandem and defence still need to prove reliability — in a year where depth matters more than ever in the modern NHL.
- A strong regular season will be expected; anything less will feel like underachievement given the window they’re in.
Additions & Subtractions
Here’s a look at some of the significant roster moves heading into 2025-26.
Additions
- The Avalanche signed forward Victor Olofsson to a one-year contract in August 2025, adding depth scoring.
- They signed forward Joel Kiviranta to a one-year contract, bringing back a depth piece familiar with the organization.
- They signed forward Parker Kelly to a four-year extension, locking in a young depth forward.
- They signed defenseman Josh Manson to a two-year extension, bringing veteran presence on the blue line.
Subtractions / Trades / Departures
- The most notable departure: long-time cornerstone forward Mikko Rantanen was traded earlier in 2025 in a major shift for the organization.
- Other moves during the 2024-25 season: they made a flurry of trades to rejigger goaltending and defence mid-season. For example, acquisition of Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood in net.
Implications
- Losing Rantanen shifts the dynamic of the offence significantly. It means more responsibility on MacKinnon, Makar (in his role as a threat from the back end), and others to fill the void.
- The additions are mostly depth and role-players rather than blockbuster top-end signings — pointing to a strategy of internal improvement and cost-control.
- The veteran defensive additions (Manson) suggest the Avalanche management recognize the need for stability on the blue line and in the locker room.
- The goaltending changes made in 2024-25 will continue to be a storyline as the team tries to solidify consistent performance between the pipes.
Roster Chart (Projected)
Here is a rough projected roster list for 2025-26 based on available information. (Note: some positions/players might change due to injuries, trades, or AHL call-ups.)
Forwards
- Nathan MacKinnon (C)
- Gabriel Landeskog (if still active) / or replacement
- Brock Nelson (C)
- Jack Drury (C)
- Joel Kiviranta (F)
- Victor Olofsson (F)
- Parker Kelly (F)
- Additional forwards: younger players, depth wings
Defense
- Cale Makar (D)
- Devon Toews (D)
- Josh Manson (D)
- Sam Malinski (D)
- (Plus other defensemen: veteran and younger combos)
Goaltenders
- Mackenzie Blackwood (G)
- Scott Wedgewood (G)
- (Third goalie / AHL call-up)
Key leadership
- Coach: Jared Bednar (continuing)
- Captain: Gabriel Landeskog (if still in role)
Cap space and contract management remain important. As noted, the defence cap hit is roughly $28.9 m for 2025-26.
Depth Chart / Lines
Here’s a projected depth chart for both offence and defence. These are approximate and will likely shuffle during the season based on play, injuries, trade activity, etc.
Forwards (Offensive Depth)
First Line
- C: Nathan MacKinnon
- LW: (likely a top winger – maybe returning veteran or young breakout)
- RW: (top winger)
Second Line
- C: Brock Nelson
- LW / RW: Victor Olofsson
- Other wing: (role player)
Third Line
- C: Jack Drury
- LW / RW: Joel Kiviranta
- Parker Kelly
Fourth Line / Depth
- Combination of younger forwards, call-ups, checking line specialists
Defense (Blue Line Depth)
Top Pair
- D: Cale Makar (offensive driver)
- D: Devon Toews (defensive stability)
Second Pair
- D: Josh Manson (veteran presence)
- D: Sam Malinski (emerging younger guy)
Third Pair / Extra
- Other defensemen rotating in, depending on injuries/trades
Goaltending
- Starter: Mackenzie Blackwood
- Backup: Scott Wedgewood
- Occasional call-up / tandem usage depending on schedule load
Season Prediction
Given the strengths and weaknesses of the Avalanche heading into 2025-26, here is a reasoned projection for how the season might unfold.
Regular Season
I expect the Avalanche to finish with around 100-110 points, likely finishing in the top 3-4 of the Central Division. With a balanced league but strong division, I see them finishing perhaps 2nd in the Central. They should be comfortably in the playoff picture barring major injuries.
Offensively, they remain dangerous. With MacKinnon at full throttle, Makar providing offensive support from the back end, and a revamped impact from depth moves, they can sustain scoring. Defensively and in goal, I believe they’ll be good, but not elite — I project goals against that rank perhaps mid-league (top half but not top handful).
Playoffs
This is where things become more interesting. The Avalanche have the roster to make a deep run — but the question is will they?
- If health holds and their goaltending and defence step up when it matters, I believe Colorado could reach the Conference Final.
- That said, the margin for error is thin. My prediction: they will advance to the second round, and there’s a strong chance they could push further depending on match-ups. But I lean toward a Conference Final exit rather than winning the Cup this year.
Best-Case / Worst-Case Scenarios
- Best case: Avalanche find a hot goaltender (or Blackwood/backup elevate), the depth forwards produce, and the team stays healthy. They win a playoff series or two and contend for the Cup.
- Worst case: Injuries strike the core, goaltending falters, depth doesn’t deliver, and they exit in the first round again — which would be seen as underachieving given their window.
My Prediction for 2025-26:
- Regular season finish: ~105 points, 2nd in Central Division
- Playoff result: Win Round 1, win Round 2, lose in Conference Final
- Key takeaway: This season will be viewed as successful but unless they capture the Cup, the pressure will continue to build for the next season to deliver.
Players To Watch
The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, and the roster holds some serious promise. It’s all about the players who are set to step up and shine. You’ve got the big names, of course, those veterans who’ve proven their mettle time and time again. Then there are the fresh faces, new acquisitions who might just bring the spark needed to elevate the team’s game.
Focusing on key players, Nathan MacKinnon is one to watch as he drives the offense with his unmatched speed and skill. He’s the heartbeat of the team both on ice and in the locker room. Alongside him, Cale Makar’s scoring touch and creative playmaking offer a dynamic edge. Not to forget, young stars like Bowen Byram are developing fast, proving vital on the blue line.
New talent on the block is always exciting. These fresh acquisitions are expected to fill crucial gaps and bring a new energy. Whether it’s a sharp-shooter brought in to boost the power play or a strategic defender tightening up the back end, these newbies have a lot riding on their shoulders.
Those coming back from injuries add another layer to the team’s depth. Players returning from the sidelines are often the underappreciated game changers. The absence over the last son made it clear how much their presence matters. A healthy roster can redefine the direction of the upcoming games. Getting Landeskog back in the lineup should be huge for this Colorado
This blend of seasoned talent and new blood is shaping up to tackle persistent challenges from past years. Learning from the mistakes and injuries of prior seasons, the team is in a strong position to address any hurdles that may arise. Overall, the roster seems poised to not only compete but also push their limits, maybe even reach new heights come playoff time.
Gameplan
The strategic game plan set by the Colorado Avalanche’s head coach will be crucial in setting the tone for the 2025 season. Emphasizing a blend of aggression and finesse, this strategy is all about maximizing the strengths of the team’s diverse roster. Fast-paced attacks coupled with rock-solid defense form the backbone of this approach.
On the offensive side, the emphasis is on fluid puck movement and relentless pressure. This doesn’t just come down to natural talent but also orchestrating plays that capitalize on the speed and skill (a la Nate MacKinnon) present throughout the roster. The plan is to unleash a multi-pronged offense that keeps opponents guessing, preventing them from establishing a foothold.
Defensive tactics take a systematic approach. The strategy prioritizes maintaining a tight defensive zone, minimizing turnovers, and leveraging quick transitions. Defense isn’t just the job of the guys at the back. Forwards are expected to dive deep into the defensive play, ensuring that the team functions as a cohesive unit when under pressure.
Special teams play a major role in the Avalanche’s strategy. Power-play and penalty-kill units are fine-tuned to exploit opponents’ weaknesses and bolster the team’s game presence. Success here often depends on meticulous preparation and exploiting every advantage, especially with the new faces on the roster bringing added depth and creativity to these units.
Understanding opponents is another strategic cornerstone. Engaging in tactical matchups, the team focuses on knowing the biggest threats each opponent poses. This isn’t about tinkering with the entire game plan, but making small, smart tweaks that give them the edge.
These strategies aren’t just drawn up and left on paper. Watching how they come alive during each game will be key to the Avalanche’s performance, potentially setting them up for a successful playoff push.
Predicting the Path Ahead: Forecasting the Avalanche’s Season Performance
With all the pieces in place, predicting the Colorado Avalanche’s performance in the 2025 season involves more than just hope—it’s about assessing real potential. The squad’s strengths suggest a promising regular season, but what really pushes a team over the edge is how they handle the intense demands of playoff games.
Expectations are high for the Avalanche to secure a solid spot in the standings. Given the team’s lineup and strategic innovations, a top-tier finish in their division seems plausible. But of course, every season has its share of unpredictable twists. With any team, staying healthy and consistent remains crucial.
If they play their cards right, the Avalanche could easily make a deep playoff run. Success here will depend heavily on turning regular-season lessons into postseason victories. The ability to adapt and keep the momentum rolling through those high-stakes games could make all the difference.
Comparing the Avalanche to other NHL frontrunners shows they’re more than capable of holding their own against tough competition. Their well-rounded roster and tactical sophistication make them a genuine threat. If everything goes according to plan, Colorado is set for a strong season.
The Colorado Avalanche remain a very good team heading into 2025-26. Their core is elite, the coaching staff is experienced, and they have the infrastructure of a contender. However, their path to “champion” status is not automatic — the margin between contender and champion is razor-thin in today’s NHL.
If they can improve their depth (both forwards and defence), find consistency in goal, and maintain health, this could be the season where they move beyond “first round contender” status into legitimate Cup challenger. If not, another early playoff exit could raise more questions about the window and how long the core can sustain at this level.