Latest report calls out Avalanche defence ahead of critical season
Photo credit: Leila Devlin / Mile High Sticking
A recent report is raising concerns about the Colorado Avalanche's defense as the team heads into a make-or-break season, warning that any weaknesses on the blue line could have major implications for their playoff hopes.
Colorado's blue line ranks among the most skilled in an extremely tough Central Division.
Avalanche defence under the microscope in shocking new development.
Ryan Womeldorf from The Hockey Writers asks where do you start but with the defending Norris Trophy winner? Cale Makar is widely regarded as the best defenseman in the league, with only Quinn Hughes posing a potential challenge to that crown.
Makar is coming off a career-high 92-point season and just the second 30-goal season by a defenseman since 1992-93 (Mike Green being the other).
"Next to him is 31-year-old Devon Toews, the rugged two-way defenseman who may very well be the most underrated blueliner in the league. Toews has been a solid 45-50-point defenseman capable of playing shutdown minutes while allowing Makar to roam freely." -Womeldorf
This pairing will log heavy minutes (24+ per night) while delivering elite play. Makar acts like a top forward on the blue line, giving the Avalanche a unique advantage few teams can match, a true contender's edge.
The Avalanche's second pairing is arguably the most intriguing. If they reach their potential, they could bring physicality, strong puck movement, and nearly 20 minutes of ice time per night, but the question remains: can the duo stay healthy and on the ice?
"Samuel Girard is undersized (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) by NHL standards but can move the puck well. Injuries have been a normal part of his career, though he has played 73 games or more in two of the last three seasons. Though he may not produce more than 35 points a season on average, he can responsibly eat 20-plus minutes per night.
Playing next to him is Josh Manson. When healthy, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is exactly what the top four needs. He can still move well even at 33 years old and has a physical side to him that the rest of the group doesn't have. That said, he's dealt with major injury issues in two of the last three seasons, suiting up in 48 games in 2024-25. If he can remain on the ice regularly, Manson can be the tough, physical defender that a solid second pairing requires." -Womeldorf
Playing next to him is Josh Manson. When healthy, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is exactly what the top four needs. He can still move well even at 33 years old and has a physical side to him that the rest of the group doesn't have. That said, he's dealt with major injury issues in two of the last three seasons, suiting up in 48 games in 2024-25. If he can remain on the ice regularly, Manson can be the tough, physical defender that a solid second pairing requires." -Womeldorf
The third pairing looks intriguing on paper. On one side is 27-year-old journeyman Sam Malinski, who earned a full-time NHL roster spot for the first time in 2024-25 and delivered quietly solid play on the bottom pairing. Fifteen minutes of sheltered ice time suits him perfectly.
On the other side is 40-year-old veteran Brent Burns. After three seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, he's aiming for one last Cup run in Colorado. While he's not the same player he once was, Burns can still contribute at a high level.
"This may be a perfect pairing on paper. Malinski can play sheltered minutes and focus on the basics, while Burns can provide steady veteran presence and perhaps hit double digits in goals again by playing third-pair matchups rather than facing tougher top-four battles. It also doesn't hurt that the Avalanche are adding a proven commodity to the bottom pair." -Womeldorf
Heading into next season, the Avalanche defense combines elite talent, depth, and experience, giving Colorado the tools to dominate the blue line if they stay healthy and consistent.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 13 | 22 ANSWERS Latest report calls out Avalanche defence ahead of critical season Do the Avalanche have the best defense in the NHL? | ||
| yes | 14 | 63.6 % |
| no | 8 | 36.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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