The echoes of the 2022 Stanley Cup celebration in Denver have faded, replaced by the persistent, analytical hum of “what if?” As the Colorado Avalanche gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, the question isn`t whether they possess elite talent—that`s a foregone conclusion. Rather, it`s about whether their formidable duo, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, finally have the comprehensive support needed to navigate the treacherous playoff landscape and hoist Lord Stanley`s Cup once more.
The Unbearable Brilliance of Star Power
Let`s be unequivocally clear: MacKinnon and Makar are generational talents, the kind of players who can single-handedly shift the momentum of a game, or indeed, an entire series. MacKinnon, a human highlight reel on skates, continued his MVP-caliber production last season, seemingly willing the puck into the net or onto a teammate`s stick through sheer force of will. Makar, the league`s preeminent defenseman, glides across the ice with an almost arrogant ease, combining offensive wizardry with defensive responsibility that often makes you wonder if he’s simply playing a different, easier version of hockey.
However, this very brilliance has become a double-edged sword. When the going gets tough, as it invariably does in the NHL playoffs, the reliance on these two has become almost an existential burden. One might even suggest their supporting cast occasionally observes with a certain awe, perhaps forgetting they are also meant to contribute. The team`s 2024-25 campaign, which ended with a rather unceremonious first-round exit against the Dallas Stars despite a commendable 102 regular-season points, painfully highlighted this over-dependence.
The Depth Dilemma: From Champions to Challengers
The 2022 Cup team was renowned for its depth, a relentless four-line attack that suffocated opponents. Fast forward a few seasons, and the salary cap, that most impartial of gatekeepers, has exacted its toll. The departure of Mikko Rantanen, a significant piece of their offensive puzzle, underscores the harsh realities of roster construction in the modern NHL. While an unpopular move, it was a calculated risk aimed at rebalancing the roster. The hope, of course, is that the sacrifice of one star allows for the cultivation of a more resilient supporting cast.
Players like Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen, who shone brightly during the Cup run, now face the immense pressure of recapturing that clutch performance. Their ability to consistently provide secondary scoring, particularly when MacKinnon faces stifling defensive schemes, will be paramount. The question isn`t just about their presence, but their impact.
Guardians of the Net: The Goaltending Conundrum
Goaltending, as is often the case in hockey, can be the difference between a parade and an early tee time. The Alexandar Georgiev experiment, after an initially promising start, ultimately concluded in a manner that can only be described as a polite but firm professional parting of ways. Mackenzie Blackwood, acquired last season, showed flashes of the brilliance that marked his early career in New Jersey. His 22-12-3 record with a 2.33 GAA and a .913 save percentage was a significant upgrade and arguably salvaged their playoff berth.
But here lies the challenge: Blackwood`s career has been a rollercoaster of potential and inconsistency. Can he sustain that improved performance over a full season and, more crucially, through the crucible of playoff hockey? The Central Division, a veritable Vezina Trophy showcase, demands nothing less than elite consistency between the pipes. Anything less than average, or even slightly above, could unravel the Avalanche`s Cup aspirations faster than a poorly executed breakout pass.
New Faces, Renewed Hope?
To address some of these underlying issues, the Avalanche made some calculated moves. The acquisition of veteran defenseman Brent Burns from Carolina is intriguing. At 40 years young, Burns is no longer the Norris Trophy workhorse of his San Jose days, but he brings an invaluable blend of size, leadership, and offensive flair from the blue line. His ironman streak is a testament to his durability, and his presence should alleviate some of the immense defensive minutes shouldered by Makar and Devon Toews. He`s expected to add a much-needed weapon to the power play and a calming, experienced presence in tense playoff moments, perhaps teaching the younger defensemen that sometimes, a clear-the-zone play is more heroic than a dazzling rush.
Upfront, Jack Drury, acquired as part of the Rantanen trade, steps into a more prominent role as the likely third-line center. Known for his reliable two-way game, Drury is tasked with shutting down opposing top lines. However, his playoff performance against Dallas (a mere goal and two points) highlights the need for him to also contribute secondary scoring. It`s a tall order, but the Avalanche are betting on his growth.
Looking to the future, prospect Gavin Brindley, acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets, offers a tantalizing glimpse of speed and energy. While he might start the season in the AHL, his rapid development and high-tempo fit within the Avalanche system make him the prime candidate for an injury call-up, injecting youthful exuberance when needed.
The Landeskog Factor: A Captain`s Return
Perhaps the most significant “addition” is the long-awaited return of Captain Gabriel Landeskog. His absence has been a void, not just in terms of his scoring and physical play, but in his invaluable emotional leadership. Landeskog is the team`s heart and soul, a rallying point. His presence alone has the potential to elevate the collective spirit and accountability within the locker room. One can only hope his body cooperates with his indomitable will.
The Road Ahead: Western Conference Gauntlet
The Western Conference, particularly the Central Division, remains a brutal gauntlet. While MacKinnon and Makar provide a legitimate chance against any opponent, the sustained pressure of a seven-game series against formidable adversaries demands a complete team effort. The 2024-25 playoff exit wasn`t just about the Stars outplaying them; it was about the Avalanche`s inability to get consistent contributions beyond their top two, a flaw magnified under the playoff spotlight. If their goaltending and special teams can truly turn a corner, perhaps, just perhaps, the puzzle pieces might finally click.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balance
The Colorado Avalanche stand at a pivotal juncture. They possess a championship pedigree and two of the sport`s most electrifying talents. The management has made efforts to address the team`s vulnerabilities through strategic acquisitions and the hopeful return of a captain. The ingredients are certainly present for a compelling narrative, one filled with high stakes and the potential for redemption. The question, however, remains: Will this iteration of the Avalanche finally strike the delicate balance between dazzling star power and robust team depth, or will the “what if” continue to haunt their pursuit of another glorious Stanley Cup?
