What the Avalanche have in store might shock the Central Division beyond belief
Photo credit: Rick Ulreich / Icon Sportswire
Next NHL season, the Colorado Avalanche may unleash a level of depth and talent that leaves the St. Louis Blues, and the entire Central Division, completely shocked.
The St. Louis Blues may look stronger heading into the 2025-26 season, but when it comes to matching up against the Avalanche, that could be a tall order.
Avalanche could remind Blues fans what real contender depth looks like.
Todd Matthews from Bleedin' Blue writes that the Avalanche need little introduction, they've been perennial contenders throughout the 2020s, and this roster could very well be their most complete yet.
Skeptical? Consider this: with depth up front and on the blue line, they're positioned to dominate the St. Louis Blues, and having seemingly addressed their goaltending concerns, the Avs may finally have a full, well-rounded team ready to compete at the highest level.
"Two forwards I'm looking forward to seeing play the entire season are Gabe Landeskog, who made a legendary return in the postseason, and Brock Nelson, acquired from the New York Islanders.
As for the third line, Victor Olofsson's catching my eye. He enjoyed a rejuvenated campaign last season with the Vegas Golden Knights and looked like the power play specialist he was known for during his stint in Buffalo with the Sabres." -Matthews
As for the third line, Victor Olofsson's catching my eye. He enjoyed a rejuvenated campaign last season with the Vegas Golden Knights and looked like the power play specialist he was known for during his stint in Buffalo with the Sabres." -Matthews
If Olofsson regains his form, he'll round out a top-line forward group capable of striking at any moment, and that's before even factoring in the potential return of Logan O'Connor.
Finally, Parker Kelly and Joel Kiviranta bring relentless energy and physicality to the lineup, with Kiviranta already demonstrating the impact he can have in a depth scoring role.
"When you got a first pairing like Devon Toews and Cale Makar, you also got two blueliners who can produce like forwards while still bringing elite defensive play. Then there's Samuel Girard on the second pairing, someone who's good at evading shooting lanes and helping drive sequences in the offensive zone." -Matthews
He pairs effectively with Josh Manson, a stay-at-home defenseman unafraid to throw his weight around, while role player Sam Malinski will benefit greatly from sharing the third pair with the even-reliable Brent Burns.
"It's gonna be a tough ride for the Blues every time they face the Avs. It's a deep hockey team, and the Blues can't take shifts off, regardless of who's on the ice." -Matthews
While some lines clearly have more firepower than others, if the Avalanche's projected third line is on the ice, they'll punish any team that underestimates them. Even with added talent and experience, the Blues cannot afford to make that mistake this season.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 9 | 19 ANSWERS What the Avalanche have in store might shock the Central Division beyond belief Do you think the Blues will make the playoffs next NHL season? | ||
| yes | 10 | 52.6 % |
| no | 9 | 47.4 % |
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