Avalanche fans can't believe which unsung player might decide their success this season
Photo credit: Raymond Carlin III / Imagn Images
Colorado Avalanche fans are in disbelief as an often-overlooked player emerges as a potential game-changer, someone who could have a major impact on the team's success as they head into the highly anticipated 2025-26 season.
Nelson is expected to play a crucial role as the Avalanche works to solidify its top-six forward group in its pursuit of another Stanley Cup.
Brock Nelson poised to be the ultimate difference-maker this season in Colorado.
Sean McKenna from Mile High Sticking writes that the Avalanche were active at last year's trade deadline, but their efforts fell short, as they failed to capture the Stanley Cup.
With a new season comes a refreshed roster, and several players acquired last year are back, none more vital than second-line center veteran center.
"Likely to man the pivot between Landeskog and Nichushkin this season, Nelson should shore up a second-line center position that has been in flux ever since Nazem Kadri left the team some years ago. Nelson has a proven track record of production, and he accomplished that with lesser players than the current Avalanche roster employs." -McKenna
Expected to anchor the pivot between Landeskog and Nichushkin this season, Nelson is set to stabilize a second-line center spot that has been in flux since Kadri's departure.
He has a proven track record of production, achieved even with less talent around him than the current Avalanche roster boasts.
The Avalanche coaching staff shares that view. Head coach Jared Bednar recently remarked that Nelson has been a step ahead in camp so far, appearing both fast and at ease on the ice.
"It's likely that Nelson's contract status being sorted out has helped, as he re-signed in Colorado during the offseason on a three-year deal worth $7.5 million annually. With the NHL salary cap expected to rise exponentially, the Avalanche likely got a bargain only having to pay that price for a productive second-line player.
Another aspect of Nelson's comfortability is his previous relationship with Avalanche new assistant coach Dave Hakstol, who coached Nelson while in college at North Dakota. It's helpful to have a familiar voice on the bench amid the chaos of an NHL hockey game and Hakstol surely provides that for Nelson." -McKenna
Another aspect of Nelson's comfortability is his previous relationship with Avalanche new assistant coach Dave Hakstol, who coached Nelson while in college at North Dakota. It's helpful to have a familiar voice on the bench amid the chaos of an NHL hockey game and Hakstol surely provides that for Nelson." -McKenna
If Nelson can carry his strong start through the season, the Avalanche will enjoy top-six depth the team hasn't seen in years.
Opponents won't be able to focus solely on the top line in the playoffs, leading the more favourable matchups. With Nelson solidifying the second line, the Avs put themselves squarely on a path toward the ultimate prize.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 1 | 27 ANSWERS Avalanche fans can't believe which unsung player might decide their success this season Would you consider Brock Nelson the ultimate game-changer on the Avalanche this season? | ||
| yes | 14 | 51.9 % |
| no | 13 | 48.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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