Avalanche on the hot seat as fans voice concerns about team's key issues heading into upcoming season
Photo credit: Matthew Stockman / Mile High Sticking
As the Colorado Avalanche inch closer to finalizing their roster for the upcoming season, it's the perfect time to gauge the pulse of the fanbase. While many remain confident that this team is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, there are still some lingering questions and concerns that can't be ignored heading into opening night.
These concerns are not to be taken lightly, as they could shape the future of the franchise.
Colorado Avalanche voted Stanley Cup contenders by fans, despite several concerns for the future of the team.
Adrian Hernandez and the Mile High Hockey crew release a fan poll ahead of every season to get a sense of where Avalanche supporters stand. This year, while the overwhelming positive is that fans see Colorado as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, the survey also shed light on several concerns that continue to hover around the team.
"I'm constantly reminded to caution readers to remember that most of our followers on X are Avalanche fans, although I feel like that goes without saying. Still, even at that, 77.7 percent of fans agree that the Avalanche are a Cup Contender (as currently constructed), and that's a pretty strong majority considering all that is yet to be achieved." -Hernandez
While 77% seems like a lot, it's not that much of a surprise with the roster the Avalanche have on paper. They have a solid core, with hungry role players looking to make their mark in the NHL, and the Avalanche only need a couple of them to have a breakout year for them to have success.
The concerns, however, do hold the Avalanche back a bit if the worst case scenario happens. The first concern is goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood's status.
"Our very own Ryan O'Hara has been on-site for much of Colorado's informal skates and the start of training camp and has noted that Blackwood has been pretty easy-going during limited ice time. I guess only time will tell. As for now, Avs fans are roughly 60% worried about MacKenzie Blackwood's status." -Hernandez
And Avalanche fans have reason to be concerned. Just look back at what happened with Jeremy Swayman last season, after missing all of preseason, his struggles carried over for the rest of the year. Colorado can't afford a repeat scenario, especially with Mackenzie Blackwood expected to play such a crucial role.
The third main concern was Martin Necas' contract, and if fans were worried about his extension.
"We aren't out of the woods yet in terms of securing the top line beyond the 2025-26 season, and although there's time, it still feels front of mind for Avalanche fans. That said, the majority of Avs faithful isn't worried about Martin Necas' deal just yet; however, this was our lowest majority (56.6%) in the pollster." -Hernandez
The conversation surrounding Martin Necas' contract extension has drawn mixed opinions. Some argue the Avalanche would be wise to wait before committing long-term, while others believe negotiations should begin immediately.
Regardless of the differing perspectives, the overall sentiment remains positive, Necas has found a home in Colorado that maximizes his value, and the expectation is that he'll be part of the Avalanche for years to come.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 24 | 16 ANSWERS Avalanche on the hot seat as fans voice concerns about team's key issues heading into upcoming season Should Avalanche fans be more worried about Martin Necas' contract following the poll? | ||
| yes | 5 | 31.3 % |
| no | 11 | 68.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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