RSS Avalanche Team Notes

[Colorado Avalanche]

Jon Cooper sets the Olympic tone: ‘I want to be the team that is gold or bust’

MILAN, Italy — We are just a couple of sleeps away from the preliminary rounds of the Men’s Ice Hockey competition at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, and the storylines are heating up!

Team USA and Team Canada are the clear favorites and fiercest rivals in this tournament, and that’s the foundation that shapes their mentality heading in. It’s gold or bust for Jon Cooper and Team Canada, and the same is true for Team USA.

“Would you rather be in a situation where, ‘Oh my god, I can’t wait to win the bronze’?” Canada head coach Jon Cooper said. “No way man, I want to be the team that is gold or bust.”

Built for the pressure. #Olympics #IIHF @hockeycanada pic.twitter.com/c6IMxaqca3

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 9, 2026

It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that the Maple Leaf have adopted this approach and expectation, given that the country invented hockey, but Team USA is also chomping at the bit and eyeing gold in Milan. Something they haven’t achieved since the 1980 Miracle On Ice team, and as we all know, that tournament didn’t feature pros (except for the Russians, who weren’t allowed to be pros).

Team USA General Manager Bill Guerin put it simply to the American group: “We have to win.”

The U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team has officially landed in Milan! From the opening ceremony, to the Team USA welcome experience, to the first practice — get the full behind-the-scenes look in the #WinterOlympics Insider: https://t.co/LucOYge0Mx pic.twitter.com/QDNJGSuRFK

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 9, 2026

Cale Makar is fully aware of the expectations and pressure facing Team Canada and is seemingly locked in for this international tourney.

Nathan MacKinnon on NHL players returning to the Olympics:

“All of us are in our prime, so it is a good time to be here.”#GoAvsGo | #MilanoCortinaOlympic2026 | @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/q2Vlk3iUQs

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 9, 2026

“You look at our country, and everyone is looking at us to do something special.”

“Hockey is such a unique game in that every little thing matters, and you have to win those battles and gain those inches. And if you gain enough inches, you should be successful.”

It will, in fact, be a game of inches, and a grueling test for these players who have come from all around the world to test their mettle against the world’s best.

“The intensity will be really high,” Canada’s Makar said. “It is the best players in the world.”

The stakes are as high as can be, and Team Canada is focused on maintaining their identity as the world’s hockey powerhouse.

As Jon Cooper put it, “If you are not the team being chased, I do not want to be the chaser.”

So who will be the chaser and who will be the chased?

Let us know in the comments who you think will take gold and why!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...ne-i-want-to-be-the-team-that-is-gold-or-bust

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Avalanche Trade Deadline Shopping List

MONTREAL, CANADA- JANUARY 29: Colorado Avalanche during the singing of the National Anthems of the NHL regular season game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche at the Bell Centre on January 29, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Vitor Munhoz/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

With the NHL now firmly in the Olympic trade freeze period through February 22nd, it’s time to look at what roster holes the Colorado Avalanche might try to address before the March 6th NHL trade deadline.

Candidates​

Third Line Center

The center market isn’t shaping up to be fantastic this season but it’s the area of a most obvious upgrade for the Avalanche. There’s been some pushback to this idea citing that Jack Drury can do the job just fine but what makes an even stronger Stanley Cup contender is the depth to withstand the two-month long war of attrition. Drury starting the postseason at fourth line center makes Colorado just that much stronger.

Seventh Defenseman

In the grand scheme of things, an extra roster player isn’t all that important, which is true until he’s in the lineup every night when even one injury strikes. This is what the Avalanche have just experienced with the Devon Toews injury. Acting seventh defenseman Ilya Solovyov was shipped out on January 20th, which opened a revolving door of AHL recalls. It’s pretty obvious this hole is going to be addressed before the trade deadline because fortifying depth on defense is always an objective for Stanley Cup contenders.

Middle-Six Scoring Winger

This is an area where there might be the greatest number of options on the trade market and an extra winger could be the backup plan if the third line center upgrade doesn’t materialize. It also means replacing the player, or at least their role, on the Avalanche. Victor Olofsson has gone cold with just five points in his last 23 games and Gavin Brindley still doesn’t have a defined role on this team. In 2022 both Andre Burakovsky and Alex Newhook began the postseason as healthy scratches, something both Olofsson and Brindley could be if the Avalanche find enough forward depth prior to this year’s playoff run.

Top Line Left Wing

It is a wish list item and would come at a price but if the Avalanche are truly fortifying for a long playoff run, they need to make an addition that moves the needle. Recently there’s been tantalizing glimpses of the impact Artturi Lehkonen makes on the second line but at the cost of the failed experiment of Olofsson on the top line in his place. Jared Bednar hasn’t made a secret that he likes the look of that second line but a solution for the top line is still needed. Bringing in a top player could also help the hapless power play giving them a true trigger man on the right side again.

TORONTO – With Artturi Lehkonen dropping down, the Avs think they’ve found a second line that they can use in any situation.

On Sunday, they posted a 75% xGF%.

“I'd love to be able to keep it together for a while.”https://t.co/5hOSj8ccJh

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) January 25, 2026

Objectives​

The idea of making four roster moves might threaten the chemistry, consistency and continuity of this team, so GM Chris MacFarland should tread lightly. Ideally the goal would be to just add extra depth but as previously discussed, the Avalanche are light on trade chips and assets so to make upgrades might mean moving a few more players out and making additions with term on their contract.

A return to a previously successful strategy, which helped shape the 2022 Stanley Cup championship team, of targeting Restricted Free Agents or at least players with term beyond this summer would help to add talent greater than the usual trade deadline rental fodder and hopefully find someone that can contribute for multiple playoff runs such as the aforementioned Lehkonen addition in 2022 was. Again, this takes assets and is tougher to pull off in-season but is much more impactful than a bunch of temporary rentals.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/nhl-trade-deadline/61402/avalanche-trade-deadline-shopping-list

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Rantanen & Lehkonen: Old friends reunite to face Slovakia

Milan, ITALY — As the sun begins to peak out of a cloudy day in Italy, we begin the Men’s Ice Hockey portion of the Milano Cortina Winter Games 2026 with a matchup between Team Finland & Slovakia at Milano Santaguilia IHO Arena.

That means old friends and former teammates Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen are set to grace the ice together yet again, and that will be a bittersweet sight for Colorado Avalanche fans who are still getting over The Moose’s dispatching of the Avalanche last postseason.

We've got lineups for #SVKvsFIN!#GoAvsGo | #MilanoCortinaOlympics2026 pic.twitter.com/EeEv3wficU

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 11, 2026

According to this lineup sheet, the two will not be featured on the same line, which makes sense with the likes of Hintz and Granlund on the top line with Mikko Rantanen, but if that doesn’t work, Team Finland definitely has options.

It does make sense for Finland to go with an entirely Dallas Stars top line and D pair (excluding Grandlund) for familiarity’s sake, but there are elements that Lehkonen brings that some simply aren’t as good at. Mainly the work in front of the net.

It appears they also won’t be on the same power-play unit, with Mikko on PP1 and Lehkonen on PP2 with Teravainen, Lehtonen, and Tolvanen. But again, all of this should be pretty fluid, especially early on and when partial line changes are the only option.

I predicted on yesterday’s Mile High Hockey Lab that Artturi Lehknonen will be the first men’s goalscorer of Milano Cortina Olympics 2026. Let’s see about that!

As far as this matchup goes, Finland is 18-1-3 all-time and head-to-head against Slovakia and is the clear favorite here. This group B, however, is a bit of a juggernaut and could be considered “the group of death” with Gabe Landeskog and Team Sweden also featured.

Betting Market Implied Win%

SVK – 24.3%
FIN – 75.7%

SWE – 97.6%
ITA – 2.4%

Betting Market Implied Goals

SVK – 1.98
FIN – 3.70

SWE – 4.92
ITA – 1.44

— Daily Faceoff – Fantasy (@DFOFantasy) February 11, 2026

That said a win for Team Finland would be vital today with the three group winners and highest ranked 2nd place finisher (inside thier group) getting a bye to the quarterfinals. With a 3-2-1 points system, every game will matter, and most will hope to play as few games as possible while making it to the medal rounds.

Let us know what you think of this matchup in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...ehkonen-old-friends-reuinite-to-face-slovakia

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

5 Avalanche Burning Questions at the Olympics

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MAY 25: Martin Necas of Czechia celebrate his goal during the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. (Photo by Andrea Branca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The day is finally here, today the men’s portion of the ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics kicks off. Finland will take on Slovakia in the first game at 8:40 a.m. MT with a meeting between Sweden and host Italy following at 1:10 p.m. MT. Team Canada, Czechia and USA begin their schedules on Thursday with the former two facing each other right off the bat.

With eight members of the Colorado Avalanche set to participate, there is a lot of intrigue and reasons to follow the action overseas. Therefore, we have identified the five biggest questions which will be answered by the time the gold medal is awarded on Sunday, February 22nd.

Will an Avalanche have a MVP type performance?​

All eight of those Avalanche players participating in the Olympic Games could put in a performance worthy of MVP honors but really we are talking about Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar as the possible recipients with the greatest spotlight on the world stage and role on their team. MacKinnon in particular is vying to match Avalanche boss’ gold medal winning MVP honors in 2002. Makar was named to Canada’s leadership group so the team will be looking at him for great contributions.

Meet the captains! / Voici nos capitaines!

C: Sidney Crosby (@HockeyNS)
A: Connor McDavid (@OHFHockey)
A: Cale Makar (@HockeyAlberta)#MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/7V2wXOQFKH

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) February 8, 2026

What is the role for Brock Nelson with team USA?​

Bill Guerin and the USA Hockey brain trust are going to have to defend leaving Jason Robertson and his 32 goals at home in Dallas if they don’t win gold but considering Brock Nelson is on the verge of scoring 30 goals himself there shouldn’t be a comparison between the two. Still, Nelson might find himself in more of a bottom six role at the tournament even with the scoring touch he’s enjoyed this year in Colorado. Big moments can come from the bottom six, but if Nelson really going to play the whole tournament on the fourth line?

#MilanoCortina2026 | #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/p6BLz0C3zM

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 7, 2026

Can Martin Nečas carry team Czechia?​

It’s fallen under the raider how big these Olympics are for Avalanche star forward Martin Nečas. He has an opportunity in front of him to make a big impact for his home country. He has always been a producer for Czechia, scoring seven points in his last two appearances at the World Championship and is primed to grab the spotlight in Milan.

How healthy is Gabe Landeskog?​

Ever since he left the January 3rd game in Florida, attention turned to if Gabe Landeskog was going to be a participant a month later at the Olympics. Not only has he made it to Milan but the Avalanche captain has been named Sweden’s captain as well, quite an honor. As he takes to the ice today for that first round-robin game, everyone will be watching closely to see if Landeskog looks like he’s a full-go and recovered from the injury.

Pierre LeBrun: I don't know that he'll be 100%, but I think all signs are lining up that Gabriel Landeskog is going to the Olympics – Jay on SC (1/28)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) February 1, 2026

Can Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta make us root for team Finland?​

Perhaps the ultimate underdogs of the “big five” nations, Finland was mostly written off when Alesander Barkov suffered an early season injury. Still, the team brings star talent to Milan led by old friend Mikko Rantanen but also current Avalanche forwards Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta. Finland plays a cohesive team game and seems to produce more than the sum of their parts, which puts them in a position to surprise at the Olympic Games.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olympic-games/61566/5-avalanche-burning-questions-at-the-olympics

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Canada opens with 5-0 shutout over Czechia

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Macklin Celebrini #17 of Canada scores a goal against Goalie Lukas Dostal #1 of Czechia during the Men's Preliminary Group A match between Czechia and Canada. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The youth movement continues.

Following in the footsteps of yesterdays impressive performance from Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovsky, it was the youngest player on the vaunted team Canada who put the favorites on the board first. With just five seconds remaining in the first period against Czechia, the budding superstar from San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini potted the game’s first goal.

Macklin Celebrini scores his first Olympic goal to put Canada up 1-0 over Czechia, with 5.7 seconds left in the 1st period. #TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/Tb9vvyBclE

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) February 12, 2026

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar assisted on the goal as Celebrini tipped his shot past Czechia’s Lukas Dostal to take the lead as the first period drew to a close.

Foreshadowing the big moment was team Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper on Celebrini prior to the game:

“He may be, what, 19 years old, but his acumen for the game is not. He’s wise beyond his years…Take his age out of it. He’s a hell of a hockey player.“

Early in the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics this was an important group match between Canada and the Czech Republic, which was won in convincing fashion by the team wearing the red maple leaf.

Canada built on their lead in the second period with goals from Mark Stone and Bo Horvat for a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the game’s final frame.

In the third period the audience was treated to a quick power play goal scored by the other Colorado Avalanche superstar, Nathan MacKinnon. The man advantage worked the puck down low as Connor McDavid feathered the puck across to a waiting MacKinnon for a tap-in.

Nick Suzuki added a fifth insurance goal in the final minutes of the game to arrive at the 5-0 final score. Canada’s Jordan Binnington made 24 saves to earn the shutout.

Martin Nečas was in the lineup for the Czechs and produced one shot on goal. The team will hope to craft more offense in their future matches.

Upcoming​

Both Canada and Czechia will be back in action tomorrow, February 13th. Continuing Group A play will be Canada against Switzerland and Czechia versus France.

Other Scores​

Yesterday, Finland and Sweden kicked off their schedule with a couple tense moments. Finland ultimately suffered a 4-1 defeat against Slovakia making their upcoming match with Sweden of critical importance. Sweden, for that matter, had a tough time with Italy but ultimately prevailed in 5-2 victory which featured an opening goal by captain Gabe Landeskog.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olympic-games/61704/recap-canada-opens-with-5-0-shutout-over-czechia

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Brock Nelson’s two goals lead Team USA to 5-1 victory over Latvia

Milan, ITALY — Brock Nelson is a third-generation Team USA representative and scored two goals in the USA opener against Latvia. Both generations before him secured gold, and although we won’t know if he will continue that family tradition for a couple of weeks, we do know that if the USA wins gold, Brock Nelson will be a key component to that success.

Brock Nelson's grandfather and great-uncle won gold at the 1960 Squaw Valley Games.

His uncle was part of the iconic 1980 "Miracle on Ice" gold medal team in Lake Placid.

What lineage!#GoAvsGo | #Olympics2026 | @MileHighHockey

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 12, 2026

The Game​

The American brothers who stole the headlines at the Four Nations tourney are back at it again in Milan.

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk broke into the Latvia end on a two-one-on-one, and the older brother found the younger brother, who put the puck into the net. They would proceed to celebrate just like they more than likely did as kids in the driveway.

This time, they didn’t need to imagine playing in the Olympics together. This time it was real.

Werenski → Tkachuk → Tkachuk → #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/wcpFelqE9G

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 12, 2026

Latvia got a goal of their own, and the US team would seemingly score two more goals in the period, that is, until Latvia successfully challenged both and maintained the tie.

The first goal was called back as Brock Nelson was ruled offside on the entry, and the second was due to goaltender interference from J.T. Miller.

If we are to judge goaltender interference by IIHF rules, this was the right call, although I don’t think Brock Nelson’s redirect would have been saved either way.

Those reviews, along with hitting a couple of posts, are what kept Latvia in this contest early.

Brock Nelson just hit the post. He's been everywhere so far this game.#GoAvsGo | #Olympics2026 | @MileHighHockey

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 12, 2026

It wasn’t the start that Team USA was looking for, but they wouldn’t let things get out of hand and would pour it on in the second frame.

It was Brock Nelson who finally broke through, and he had this to say when asked if he had any pre-game nerves, “Yeah, for sure, but at the same time, you just wanna go out there and play. We have a hell of a group here, good chemistry and a lot of great players, so you just try to go out there and play a simple game. Don’t overthink it, just go out there and have fun.”

He certainly didn’t look nervous when he logged his second goal of the game with just 11.1 seconds left in the middle frame, and if not for J.T. Miller’s goaltender interference, he would have had a hat-trick right then and there.

Nelson looked good with his linemates and credited Jack Hughes for working hard to give him the opportunity to score on both occasions.

“A couple of great plays by Jack (Hughes), sticking with it. Did a couple of things in the first that we had some good looks… get one off the post. After that, you’re not too sure if you’re gonna get another really clean look.”

“Fortunate to find myself with a couple of great plays by Jack (Hughes).”

Just an absolute passing clinic and Brock Nelson finishes it for goal No. 2 of the night #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/6HOXI7auAc

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 12, 2026

Brock Nelson might not have gotten his hat trick, but he and Team USA did secure the 5-1 victory, are tied with Germany for the lead in Group C, and certainly look like gold medal favorites.

By The Numbers​

Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel, Brock Nelson, Mathew Tkachuk, and Quinn Hughes all had 2 points in this opening contest.

Quinn Hughes logged 21:29 of ice time in this matchup despite the US having a clear advantage for most of the game.

Both Team USA and Team Canada logged 5 goals in their opening match-ups!

Avalanche Spin​

I suppose it goes without saying, but Brock Nelson was excellent in this contest, and that’s a great sign for Avalanche fans who have seen Brock Nelson lighting it up for his NHL club heading into the tourney.

Some wondered if the Olympics would negatively affect his momentum, but so far, that’s not the case at all. If anything, he’s carrying his NHL heater into the Olympic Games!

I asked Brock Nelson if he agreed with Nathan MacKinnon, who said he felt like a kid today, “Uh, yeah, for sure, I felt all the emotions coming out just being over here and trying to soak it all in. It means the world to have this opportunity.”

Let us know what you thought of Team USA’s opener in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...oals-lead-team-usa-to-5-1-victory-over-latvia

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Gabe Landeskog’s comeback continues in Three Crowns’ victory over Italy

Milan, ITALY — Avalanche fans had been anxiously awaiting the return of Gabe Landeskog, but this time to captain his homeland of Sweden in the Winter Olympic Games in Milan against host country Team Italy.

Not only did he make his return, but he tallied Sweden’s first goal of the tournament after a shaky start and a surprise one-goal deficit.

Gabe Landeskog was throwing the body on the very first shift of the game, which was almost exactly like his first shift back with the Avs during last year’s playoffs, with the only difference being he wasn’t checking Mikko Rantanen.

“That’s the only way to get into the tournament and games, yeah,” Gabe said with a chuckle.

There was a bit of unrest when Italy took the early lead on a play where netminder Gustavsson lost his stick and couldn’t make the save on a broken play.

We all wondered for a moment whether this would be another upset like the one we saw between Finland and Slovakia, but Gabe Landeskog quickly gave Sweden fans a reason to exhale.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? ITALY SCORES!

: #WinterOlympics on Peacock + USA pic.twitter.com/db6xIRLNqG

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 11, 2026

His one-time blast came with one second left on the power play and set the record straight in this one with his teammates both on the bench and on the ice, letting out a cheer.

“Obviously, it’s exciting to score, but I thought it was just exciting to be out there…” Landeskog said when asked about getting on the board early in the tournament.

It is a little ironic that the first Avalanche player to score in the tournament did so on the power play, given much of the talk about Colorado’s lack of success in the NHL with the man advantage.

Hey #Avs fans, Gabe Landeskog just scored on the power play! #MilanoCortinaOlympics2026 | @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/oQqu88tdZP

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 11, 2026

Italy wouldn’t go away and started on time in both of the first two periods. Montreal Canadian draft pick Matt Bradley would tie the game at two a side early in the second period. How would Landy and the Swedes respond?

Well, it would take some time and a plethora of shots, but Sweden finally got through on their 40th SOG. Mind you, this 40th SOG came with 3:14 left in the second period.

Either way, Sweden finally got back ahead with Nylander cashing in on the backhand. They wouldn’t look back, finally showing the resolve we expected from Sweden, and the opening-day contest ended 5-2 after Italy had to replace their netminder, and Mika Zibanejad and Victor Hedman scored in the third.

This is just another chapter in the story of Gabe Landeskog’s return to hockey despite sustaining an injury that no one had returned from before. Now he’s scoring the first goal for his country in the first Olympics to host NHL players in 12 years.

Avalanche fan or not, you have to be happy for the person that is Gabe Landeskog and his family.

I asked Gabe Landeskog what it meant to him to be the captain of Team Sweden again after all that he’s been through, and he had this to say:

“It means a lot, no doubt it’s an honor for me. There were definitely times I didn’t know if I was gonna get to play in the Olympics again or wear this jersey, so it’s definitely exciting, and I’m truly. just grateful to be here.”

Let us know what you thought of day one of the Men’s Tournament in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...-continues-in-three-crowns-victory-over-italy

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Team Finland gets right in 4-1 victory over rival Sweden

Milan, ITALY — Heading into the Milano Cortina Olympics 2026, we looked at the three groups, and immediately, Group B jumped out with Sweden and Finland in the same group. A matchup that often features extracurriculars did not disappoint, and although the score shows a decisive victory, it felt much closer. Until it didn’t.

First win on the board for @leijonat! #Olympics #IIHF

Game recap: https://t.co/QUNwgwvo5z pic.twitter.com/OVM6YfkYuZ

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 13, 2026

The Game​

Things started a bit odd with Sweden seemingly controlling most of the play, and yet it was Finland who got on the board first. It was Nikolas Matinpalo who logged his first of the tournament from the back end, with an assist from Kakko Kaapo.

Olympic laser! #Olympics2026

pic.twitter.com/1DfPoOHZSq

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) February 13, 2026

Then it was Anton Lundell who scored by batting the puck out of the air at 15:26 of the first period. The goal was reviewed for high-sticking, but it was upheld, and Finland got off to a great start on the scoreboard after suffering an opening loss to Slovakia.

Mikko Rantanen said this regarding the importance of responding to the initial defeat, “It’s really important now games are kinda criss crossing and now we have a chance to get a good six points in the group if we can play well tomorrow and beat Italy.”

The second period would finally feature a goal from the Swedish side of this game when William Nylander backhanded a beautiful saucer to Rasmus Dahlin, who was waiting with his stick held high for the one-timer. His blast was never seen by Juuse Saros, as there was a lot of traffic in front of the net. Dahlin’s goal brought things to 2-1 in favor of Finland.

What happened next likely caused this match-up to get away from Team Sweden, as Joel Armia worked hard on the penalty kill and earned himself a shorthanded look, which he capitalized on. Just when it looked like Sweden would cash in on the power play and tie this one up, Finland took the 3-1 lead.

The third period would also feature some power plays for Sweden, but Jusse Saros stood tall again and again for Finland, and Sweden couldn’t cash in on their opportunities.

Mikko Rantanen would take three consecutive big hits on one shift in the third, including a hit that perhaps invoked some embellishment. The Moose hit us with this in the postgame to diminish the “flop” dialogue:

“I don’t remember, I’m a big guy, sometimes I have bad balance and keep falling around.”

“Let’s put on bad balance, not on the diving.”

Mikko Rantanen (FIN ) isn't having the flop accusations and had this to say regarding a "flop" in the 3rd period:

"I don't remember, I'm a big guy, sometimes I have bad balance and keep falling around."

"Let's put on bad balance, not on the diving."#GoAvsGo | #Olympics2026… pic.twitter.com/XxBq3t5UF7

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 13, 2026

Alright, we will put it on bad balance, like Mikko Rantanen put the puck on the empty net to secure the victory for his homeland. He said the victory was vital now that Group B is getting a bit crowded:

“So now we are in a better position again… We kinda knew that, and we played like it. We played with desperation. Played like it was a game seven kinda with the intensity and how much we wanted to win.”

I asked Gabe Landeskog why things always get so feisty between these two countries, and he pointed to the geographical proximity, saying, “Obviously, there’s history there, no doubt about where neighbors are after all.” He continued on the outcome with poise in typical Gabe Landeskog fashion, saying, “For tonight, we didn’t come away with the win, and that’s that.”

By The Numbers​

Mikko Rantanen logged less ice time than Kaapo Kakko in Finland’s first Olympic contest, and most pundits agreed that had to change against Sweden. Rantanen finished with 17:31 in ice time tonight.

Slovakia now sits alone at the top of Group B with 6 points and has positioned themselves nicely to make the elimination rounds.

Finland got points from 12 different players in this victory over Sweden.

Avalanche Spin​

I tuned in to watch AJ, Rudo, and Bailey on DNVR’s watch-along, and I agree with something they pointed out—The Swedish power-play approach looks strikingly similar to what the Avalanche are trying to do in the NHL, and, coincidentally, the three-crowns man-advantage couldn’t cash in when it mattered most.

Even in this international tournament, the teams with the conventional approach to the power play just aren’t getting timely results. Maybe watching it without ties will open some eyes in Colorado.

Gabe Landeskog was held off the scoresheet tonight and was a -2 when things were all said and done. I don’t put much stock into plus-minus, but I also don’t like it when Avalanche players are on the ice for goals against.

Let’s see how Gabe responds in a must-win game against Slovakia on Saturday.

Joel Kiviranta didn’t even play a single shift for the second straight game. I wonder if he will finally get some Olympic action when Finland plays Italy on Saturday.

Let us know what you think in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...d-gets-right-in-4-1-victory-over-rival-sweden

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Sweden secures 5-3 victory—but late Slovak strike could steal Group B

I can’t remember ever seeing a team pull their goalie with a two-goal lead, but that’s exactly what was required today between Sweden and Slovakia. Under the tie-breaker rules, Sweden needed at least a 3-goal victory to win the game and the tie-breaker over Slovakia. Doing so would have given Sweden a chance to win Group B.

They were unable to capitalize, and Slovakia is just a Finland victory over Italy away from securing top spot in the group and an immediate birth in the quarterfinals.

Sweden pulled goalie because they had to win by 3 goals to win Group B. That late Slovakia goal was huge.
Slovakia amazingly wins Group B.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 14, 2026

The Game​

It was Markstrom vs. Hlavaj in this one, and Sweden got off to a great start, keeping Slovakia shotless for the first six minutes of the game.

Just about seven minutes in Sweden would be penalized for too many men, but that would not stop Joel Eriksson Ek, who would get the scoring started on a feed from Adrian Kempe in shorthanded fashion.

Slovakia would earn an equalizer in the first with another goal from standout Juraj Slafkovsky, who continues to light it up on the international stage. It was one-to-one after one.

Goals from Lucas Raymond and Elias Pettersson would re-establish Team Sweden’s lead, and they wouldn’t look back, although Slovakia wasn’t done scoring important goals.

The final goal for Slovakia came with 39 seconds left in the game, on a power play, and, although it didn’t really improve Slovakia’s chances of winning, it was a massive goal due to tie-breaker implications.

I’d imagine Lucas Raymond is a bit disappointed with himself for being sent to the box.

Lucas Raymond vs Slovakia:

2 assists
3 points
6 shots on goal

Took a very costly penalty late in the game. pic.twitter.com/AogfLoUbik

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 14, 2026

Penalties happen in the heat of battle, but Raymond’s was completely avoidable after he slashed Tomas Tatar in response to taking a hit he didn’t seem to appreciate very much. That opened the door, and Team Slovakia walked right through it.

I asked Gabe Landeskog about the unique situation and outcome following the game:

“It’s a weird feeling. You know you win a game, and you’re supposed to be happy, but all of a sudden, you don’t win. It’s weird.”

“You win the game, but you don’t win the group. It is what it is.”

“We’ll see what ends up happening.”

Gabe Landeskog on the feeling after this odd victory:

“It’s a weird feeling. You know you win a game and you’re supposed to be happy but all of a sudden you don’t. It’s weird.”

“You win the game but you don’t win the group. It is what it is.”

“We’ll see what ends up… pic.twitter.com/b20w46kABe

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 14, 2026

By The Numbers​

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog has seen a consistent uptick in minutes game after game and finished this contest with 17:23 ice time.

Both teams, Sweden and Slovakia, have a goal differential of +2, but Slovakia’s head-to-head victory over Finland will give them the Group B win, so long as Finland takes care of Italy.

The top 4 teams/group winners (including the top second-place finisher) will earn an immediate bid to the quarterfinals. The rest of the field will start a seeded into a qualification playoff.

Avalanche Spin​

It’s a positive sign for Avalanche fans to see Gabe Landeskog slowly getting more minutes as this tournament wears on. Not only that, but he’s also looked really good inside of each game. He’s looked confident and comfortable throughout.

I’d argue that all of the Avalanche players in this tournament have looked good, and even on the power play. Hopefully, this experience allows them to come back to the NHL and Colorado with some fresh ideas.

That said, playing McDavid with MacKinnon on PP1 won’t really be an option anymore.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...ry-but-late-slovak-strike-could-steal-group-b

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Is the Stienburg era drawing to a close?

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 30: Colorado Avalanche forward Matthew Stienburg (36) looks on during the NHL Preseason game. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Last season, hard-nosed forward Matt Stienburg’s stock was on the rise. In only his second full season as a professional, he received a call-up that every kid dreams of. He got the call to make his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche on October 16, 2024, after only playing two games with the Colorado Eagles that season. Stienburg played well, too, and drew the attention of head coach Jared Bednar so much that he kept him in the NHL lineup for eight games.

With Stienburg getting the call tonight…. let's revist his 1st goal of year. A shorthanded goal with the help of Jayson Megna in game one of the season. #Avs #GoAvsGo    #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/btCvJy9rTH

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) October 16, 2024

Stienburg saw his time end with the Avalanche after a hit against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Černák that would bring a two-game suspension. The Avalanche immediately reassigned him to the Eagles, where he sustained an injury in his first period back against the Texas Stars (DAL).

Matt Stienburg will have a hearing today with the DoPS for this hit on Erik Cernak. #Avs #GoAvsGo       @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/wuoWFXBsZq

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) October 31, 2024

It has been a battle for Stienburg ever since. He made it back into the Eagles’ lineup at the end of the 2024-25 season in time to play two regular season games. Of the nine playoff games the Eagles played, he could play in only three.

Stienburg’s injury problems have been… a problem, to say the least. Injuries have sidelined the Cornell graduate for months on three occasions including an 18-game senior year and an entire missed season in 2020-21 partly due to the pandemic but also because he suffered a broken leg on a blocked shot while playing in the BCHL. Stienburg overcame a serious condition of osteomyelitis in his shoulder over decade ago as well. Currently he is dealing with another injury after missing out on the first two months of the AHL season. Stienburg has played in 20 regular-season games in a season and a half for the Avalanche and Eagles.

Stienburg occupies the grinder, heavy-hitter role when playing. He displays a very celebrated throwback style unafraid of anyone, willing to drop the gloves and dish out hard hits. He can also pose as a scoring threat within the AHL. Stienburg just has to be healthy to do it and may not have the size or frame to play the way he wants to.

In the near future, Stienburg’s contract concludes at the end of this season, so strong statistics would aid his re-signing. This summer, Stienburg will become a Group-6 UFA. This means that he has played three professional seasons, is over the age of 25, has played fewer than 80 NHL games and can walk as a free agent. His health will be a big driver of his next contract. The past two seasons have shown that Stienburg is having issues playing the type of heavy game he likes to and maintaining his body. So, could this be the end of Matt Stienburg in Colorado?

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/ahl-...61746/is-the-stienburg-era-drawing-to-a-close

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Weekly Cupcakes: Olympics edition

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 15: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Team Canada controls the puck through a stick check. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

• ‘That’s an easy one’: Canada, France react to Tom Wilson’s Olympic fight in response to hit on Nathan MacKinnon. [Sportsnet]

• U.S. men’s hockey stays unbeaten, is the No. 2 seed for knockouts. [ESPN]
• Poulin returns in Canada’s biggest victory in quarterfinal win over Germany. Canada to face Switzerland in semifinals on Monday at 3:10 p.m. ET. [CBC]
• USA downs Germany, earns bye to Olympic men’s hockey quarterfinals. [USA Today]
• Elimination round schedule has been revealed for men’s hockey at Milano Cortina.

2026 Olympic Men's Hockey Playoff Bracket
Quarterfinals on Wed. Feb. 18:
1. CAN vs. Winner CZE / DEN
2. USA vs. Winner SWE / LAT
3. SVK vs. Winner GER / FRA
4. FIN vs. Winner SUI / ITA

Semifinals (Feb. 20) then re-seed based on these standings:… pic.twitter.com/D97kG4NSAf

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 15, 2026

• Why team Canada is wearing Nike and not Bauer in Olympic hockey. [National Post]

• Undefeated U.S. women’s hockey team punches ticket to semifinals with their win over Italy. [The Athletic]

• Is there really no fighting allowed at the Olympics? [Mile High Hockey]

• What’s next for the LA Kings with star forward Kevin Fiala out for the rest of the season after suffering injury in Swiss game against Canada? [Mayor’s Manor]

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/daily-cupcakes-sandie/61909/weekly-cupcakes-olympics-edition

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Sleepless Star: The kid in MacKinnon drives Canada’s quest for Olympic Gold

The stadium lights in Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena may glow in a smaller barn and on a shorter sheet, but they burn brighter as the elimination portion of the Men’s Ice Hockey tournament kicks into high gear tomorrow. Nathan MacKinnon is built for the heat—and he’ll be right at the center of any Team Canada Olympic glory.

2026 Olympic Men's Hockey Playoff Bracket
Quarterfinals on Wed. Feb. 18:
1. CAN vs. Winner CZE / DEN
2. USA vs. Winner SWE / LAT
3. SVK vs. Winner GER / FRA
4. FIN vs. Winner SUI / ITA

Semifinals (Feb. 20) then re-seed based on these standings:… pic.twitter.com/D97kG4NSAf

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 15, 2026

Eyes may be wide from the Olympic scale, but that just lets MacKinnon see the game on a level few can match.

He may not be sleeping as soundly these nights, but between the whistles? He hasn’t shown a hint of it.

Managing Nerves​

Ahead of Canada’s tournament opener against Czechia on Feb. 12, Nathan MacKinnon laid it bare: the Olympic weight was real. “The Olympics are huge, and I was nervous,” he said. “I can usually sleep before a game, and I could not sleep.”

Men's #Olympics preliminary round Power Rankings are here! #IIHF

More: https://t.co/cxouR8tNlc pic.twitter.com/6o4vD0wnK7

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) February 15, 2026

Those nerves haven’t surfaced on the ice. Canada dominated the group stage—3-0, outscoring opponents 20-3, capped by a 10-2 rout of France on Feb. 15—and MacKinnon has been electric. He followed up with: “We are good at what we do, but we feel like kids at this tournament.”

That wide-eyed wonder is a superpower. Staying connected to the kid who fell in love with the game keeps the pressure from crushing you; it channels it. And make no mistake—for Team Canada, the pressure is immense as single-elimination begins tomorrow.

As Canadian captain Sidney Crosby framed it pre-tournament: “There’s expectations, there’s pressure that comes with that, but it’s about our group and trying to be the best team we can. It’s on all of us to help each other, and that’s what we’ll try to do.”

So far, all that pressure has done is polish MacKinnon into a sharper diamond. The Avalanche star arrived feeling the magnitude; now he’s shining under it, ready for the knockout rounds.

Humble in Highlights​

One clear sign of MacKinnon honoring that younger self is his humility amid Canada’s dominance in the group stage.

After burying a power-play goal on a feed from Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, he deflected credit: “Two of the best players in the world, and passing it to me was cool. I did not do a lot on that one. Anyone could put that in.”

He’s shown similar grace toward 19-year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini, the youngest NHL player ever to suit up for Canada at the Olympics (with NHL players).

When asked if he could have matched Celebrini’s poise and production on this stage, MacKinnon told Arpon Basu of The Athletic: “I was an idiot. No, no. Not good enough, not mature enough, not anything enough.”

Some might push back—after all, an 18-year-old MacKinnon torched the NHL in his rookie year and shone in the playoffs—but this stage carries heavier stakes and deeper anxiety.

I think the same 18-year-old Nathan would be pretty proud of where he is today—on the cusp of adding the one piece of hardware he’s never had the chance to win: Olympic gold.

Business Time​

One of the early narratives of this tournament tried (yet again) to paint Nathan MacKinnon as a no-fun, super-serious, emotionless robot—as headlines latched onto his claim that he wasn’t in Milan for fun, but to win gold.

Emotionless? Nothing could be further from the truth.

What we’re witnessing at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games is pure, unadulterated passion, pride, and purpose.

MacKinnon is in Milan for one thing: to win a gold medal and honor the young Nathan who watched Sidney Crosby score the golden goal in 2010 and surely thought, “That’s gonna be me one day.”

That “one day” is now.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...ckinnon-drives-canadas-quest-for-olympic-gold

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Necas makes Czech history in clutch 3-2 win over Denmark

Milan, ITALY — The Marty party stormed Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena as the do-or-die qualification round kicked off at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. In a tense battle for a quarterfinal spot against powerhouse Canada, Colorado Avalanche star Martin Necas delivered the spark: a power-play goal early in the second and an assist to fuel Czechia’s three-goal outburst in the period.

Czechia overcame Denmark’s resilient push—two second-period tallies kept it close at 3-2 heading into the third—but a scoreless final frame sealed the 3-2 victory and advancement. Necas’ clutch playmaking and sniper touch (1G-1A) lifted Czechia past a gritty Danish side featuring Frederik Andersen in net, setting up a blockbuster quarterfinal showdown.

Martin Necas and David Pastrnak helped Czechia move on in the Olympic qualification playoff

They will meet Canada in the men's quarterfinals! pic.twitter.com/O46PdbHrTr

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 17, 2026

This bounce-back win keeps Czechia’s medal dreams alive after a tough group stage, with Necas proving once again why he’s the Avalanche’s dynamic force on the international stage.

The Game​

The first period came and went as both teams felt each other out. Shots finished 8-6 in favor of Czechia, but neither side generated many dangerous chances. That changed dramatically in the second period.

Martin Necas struck first at 25:39 on the power play, ripping a one-timer from the dot that echoed the kind we usually see Nathan MacKinnon hammer home. It was the first real flash of dominance, but Necas was arguably the best player on the ice all game, and that edge carried throughout.

An absolutely diabolical angle of Martin Necas' power play goal today! #GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey | #Olympics2026pic.twitter.com/TI1itRN6Zx

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 17, 2026

Alexander True answered quickly at 29:02 with his first-ever Olympic goal, tying it 1-1 and saying, “Yeah, just good play by Joachim there, finding me back, and I just had to put it in the empty net, so that was nice.”

Then the Czechs poured it on with two goals in a span of under two minutes and change: David Kampf buried one on the doorstep at 30:15, set up by Necas’ nice saucer pass for the secondary assist. Roman Cervenka followed with a top-shelf snipe at 31:24, assisted by David Pastrnak, to make it 3-1.

FIVE-TIME Olympian Roman Cervenka buries the chance as Czechia take a lead into the third period in a #WinterOlympics elimination showdown. pic.twitter.com/8K3C7ahyTU

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2026

Denmark refused to fold, getting one back late in the period on a power-play goal from Nick Olesen with 2:54 left in 2nd, cutting it to 3-2 and keeping the tension high.

The third period was a masterclass in shutdown hockey from Czechia. They weathered Denmark’s push—outshot 12-5 in the frame—and held firm even after Frederik Andersen was pulled for the extra attacker. No further goals, and Czechia sealed the 3-2 win to advance.

By the Numbers​

Czechia will meet Canada in the quarterfinals roughly 22 hours after today’s game ended—a brutal, quick turnaround against one of the tournament’s undisputed powerhouses.

Martin Necas has a goal in three consecutive games, setting a Czech Olympic record in tournaments featuring NHL players. He’s also tied with Teemu Selanne (and a select few others like Jere Lehtinen and Connor McDavid) for the longest multi-point streak in NHL-era Olympic history at three straight games.

All five goals in this contest came in the second period, underscoring the game’s wild flow: tight checking early, an offensive explosion mid-game, and then Czechia slamming the door shut with a scoreless third. Lukas Dostal was lights-out in net (24 saves on 26 shots), preserving the 3-2 win and the quarterfinal berth.

Necas now sits at 3 goals and 6 points through four Olympic games—tying Vinny Prospal for third-most points by a Czech in an NHL-era single Olympics—proving he’s carrying the load for his nation.

Avalanche Spin​

Martin Necas’ standout play in this Olympic tournament is going a long way toward legitimizing the infamous Mikko Rantanen-for-Necas (plus Jack Drury and picks) blockbuster trade from January 2025. If he carries this momentum back to North America post-Olympics—where he’s already been a seamless fit on the top line— it’ll fully quiet any doubters.

His rocket from the left face-off dot today on the power play? That’s the kind of sniper shot we usually see Nathan MacKinnon unleash, proving MacK isn’t the only Avs weapon who can bomb from that spot and highlighting Colorado’s stubborn commitment to that PP setup.

Tomorrow brings the ultimate Avalanche subplot: Necas and Czechia vs. Toews, Makar, and MacKinnon on Team Canada in the quarterfinals. Necas already summed it up perfectly ahead of their first meeting in the prelims (a 5-0 Canada win): “Obviously, it’s much easier to be playing with them than against them.”

Which @Avalanche player has looked the best during the #Olympics2026?

(If other, write in)@MileHighHockey | #GoAvsGo

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 17, 2026

An upset here would be massive—shocking the hockey world and giving Necas bragging rights back in the Avs locker room. But that’s gonna be tough sledding against the stacked, top-seeded Canadians. Czechian captain Radko Gudas had this to say following the game regarding meeting team Canada and being intimidated:

“If you get intimidated, you shouldn’t be playing pro hockey,” and followed up with, “We have to improve on the things we did today, and if we can limit those and play smart hockey, we have a chance.”

Let us know what you thought of the game in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...-czech-history-in-clutch-3-2-win-over-denmark

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Lehkonen overtime hero sending Finland to Olympic semi-final

Feb 18, 2026; Milan, Italy; Artturi Lehkonen of Finland celebrates scoring their third goal in overtime to win the match against Switzerland in a men's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Anyone who says clutch doesn’t exist isn’t familiar with Artturi Lehkonen. All the Finnish forward does is score big goals and today was no exception as he struck the back of the net in overtime to send Finland to the semi-finals at the Olympics in a 3-2 win over Switzerland.

HOCKEY M –L'ancien du Canadien Artturi Lehkonen complète la remontée de la Finlande et propulse son équipe en demi-finales@LNH_FR#MilanoCortina2026 #rcsports #hockey #jeuxolympiques pic.twitter.com/iCCfkvRqhr

— Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) February 18, 2026

It wasn’t looking so hot for Finland as they were losing the majority of the contest to underdog Switzerland after Damian Riat and Nino Niederreiter scored in the first period to put the Swiss up comfortably 2-0. There was no scoring in the second period and it was all but over for Finland as they watched the minutes tick away in the third frame.

With just over six minutes remaining Finland got on the board from Sebastian Aho and then in the final minute Finland found the equalizer at Miro Heiskanen found the back of the net. The overtime hero Artturi Lehkonen saved his best for last and potted the winning goal a few minutes into the extra period. It was his second goal and fifth point, in which has already been a successful Olympics for him.

More from Lehkonen on controlling OT nerves:

"We were talking about it during the break, that we just wanted to keep grinding, keep plugging away. We knew that chances would come and we’d bury one and grind out that victory."#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey | #Olympics2026

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 18, 2026

Now Finland faces a tough task against Canada in the semi-final but they still have a chance to defend their gold medal at this juncture. Puck drop is at 8:40 a.m. MT on Friday, February 20th.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...me-hero-sending-finland-to-olympic-semi-final

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

List of Potential Avalanche Trade Targets

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 19: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche faces off against Jonathan Toews #19 of the Winnipeg Jets. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

It’s that time of year to fantasize about all the veteran depth players who might be wearing burgundy and blue within a month’s time. Once the Olympic roster freeze lifts after February 22nd there could be a sudden flurry of activity. The Colorado Avalanche like to do their NHL trade deadline shopping early and certainly have a wish list, are any of the following players on their radar?

Forwards​

Jonathan Toews

After numerous reports that the Avalanche were finalists for his services over the summer, it’s curious why there hasn’t been much talk about acquiring veteran forward Jonathan Toews from the Winnipeg Jets, who are clearly in a selling position sitting at over ten point out of a playoff spot currently. He’s enjoyed a decent season with 19 points in 56 games in his comeback after sitting out two seasons.

The 37-year-old center has a very affordable contract of just $2 million for this season but he can earn up to $5 million more in performance bonuses. Most are for games played, which he’s already earned but there’s additional money for playoff performance including an extra $1 million for a Stanley Cup win. Colorado would have to sort out the financials and it’s unclear if Winnipeg would be on the hook for bonuses earned while he was a Jet if he gets traded. If not, at least any bonuses earned over the salary cap can be deferred until next year. But Toews is an intriguing option for veteran center depth which shouldn’t cost a lot to acquire with confirmed interest from the Avalanche in the past.

Chris Johnston: Jonathan Toews is likely deciding between Winnipeg and Colorado – Chris Johnston Show

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 17, 2025

Boone Jenner

Word on the street is that Colorado has been keeping a close eye on the Columbus Blue Jackets lately. The Ohio team is still undecided about selling but currently sitting four points out of a playoff spot must mean they are considering it. No doubt GM Chris MacFarland would love to get his hands on Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner making an affordable $3.75M in the last year of his contract to fortify center depth. As a rental Jenner could even go back to Columbus in the offseason making a quick reunion with MacFarland even more appealing. Jenner has had a productive and healthy-ish season with 27 points in 42 games.

Full house if scouts scouting #NJDevils #CBJ tonight:#GoAvsGo x2#Canucks#Sabrehood#VegasBorn x2#TusksUp#TexasHockey x3#GoJetsGo#GoBolts#SeaKraken#GoHabsGo#ALLCAPS#LetsGoOilers

— James Nichols (@JamesNicholsNHL) February 3, 2026

Bobby McMann

There probably is a long line of suitors for a hard-nosed player who is on pace for his second consecutive 20 goal season, who skates well with size at 6-foot-2 and has a very affordable $1.35M cap hit on an expiring contract. Therefore, it might cost a premium asset or two to nab the 29-year-old McMann, currently rumored to be two second round picks, but if the Avalanche expect to extend him it could be worth it. There’s also the fact of a big goal he scored in Toronto’s overtime win over Colorado just several weeks ago, which surely Chris MacFarland made a mental note of.

BOBBY MCMANN COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WITH HIS LIGHTNING FAST SPEED TO TIE THE GAME UP ON THE BREAK

WHAT A GOAL
2-2

Via @Sportsnet #LeafsForever

pic.twitter.com/0sf5dU5mBV

— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) January 13, 2026

Defense​

Luke Schenn

Another potential trade target from the Winnipeg Jets is defenseman Luke Schenn. He is on an expiring contract with a $2.75M cap hit. At 36-years-old he is just the veteran defensive depth a contender is looking for, though he is a right shot which Colorado already has a surplus of. There’s a rumor that Luke would ideally like to get moved to the same destination as his brother forward Brayden Schenn, who happens to be a good friend of Nathan MacKinnon. On a contract with more years of $6.50M, a move for Brayden from St. Louis Blues would need a lot more help to make this deal happen but Luke could be the much more affordable addition on his own.

Nick Kypreos: It's believed Brayden and brother Luke Schenn are communicating that they'd like to play together, so it's possible there's an organized effort to get them both at the same time – Sportsnet (1/14)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) January 16, 2026

Brett Kulak

The Pittsburgh to Colorado pipeline, and vice versa, has been strong over the past few years and the Ilya Solovyov move earlier in the year only greased the wheels on potential future deals. Defenseman Brett Kulak would give the Avalanche a depth left shot option on the back end at a reasonable $2.75M price tag for the rest of the season. His experience going to the Stanley Cup finals with the Edmonton Oilers multiple years only enhances his resume. The 32-year-old has already been moved once this year from the aforementioned Oilers, which could mean the Penguins wouldn’t mind flipping him despite currently still holding on to a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division. Fun fact, Kulak also spent half a season with the ECHL Colorado Eagles in 2014-15 as a member of the Calgary Flames organization.

Old Friends​

We can never discount familiar faces heading back to the Avalanche, especially those who would seamlessly fit back into the dressing room. There’s been continual speculation about a reunion with several former centers, who would all be a good fit and give the Avalanche needed depth down the middle. Former centers Nashville’s Ryan O’Reilly ($4.5M for one more year) and Calgary’s Nazem Kadri ($7M for two more years) have term on their deals and wouldn’t be easy to acquire or afford but if the Avalanche are truly looking to make a splash at the trade deadline they could be options. There’s also the irony that if Columbus’ Charlie Coyle hadn’t been last year’s Avalanche center trade deadline acquisition he’d be the perfect fit on an expiring $5.25M contract enjoying a very productive season of 42 points in 56 games thus far.

Who would you like to see Colorado acquire? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/nhl-trade-deadline/61552/list-of-potential-avalanche-trade-targets

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Mitch Marner’s OT heroics lift Canada past Necas and Czechia— Crosby injured

Milan, ITALY — Once again, the Milano Santagiulia Ice Arena was the stage, and win-or-go-home hockey delivered pure drama. Martin Necas and the Czechs pushed Team Canada to the brink—building leads and refusing to fold—but in the end, Mitch Marner sealed it with a clutch overtime backhand winner. Canada dodged disaster, though not without a major loss: captain Sidney Crosby left with a lower-body injury and didn’t return.

The Game​

This quarterfinal at Milano Santagiulia Ice Arena came loaded with surprises—but Team Canada jumping out to the first goal? No shock there. Just 3:05 into the game, teenage phenom Macklin Celebrini etched another chapter in his budding Olympic legend, roofing a low snipe off a slick back pass from Connor McDavid to make it 1-0.

Martin Necas had dropped that bold pre-game bomb: “We let them win the first one cause we knew we weren’t gonna win two in a row against Canada.”

That felt prophetic when Czechia roared back. Lukas Sedlak tied it at 1-1 early, then David Pastrnak unleashed a rocket on the power play to give Czechia a 2-1 lead in the second. The underdogs were barking loudly.

A soft call led to a Canadian man advantage, and Nathan MacKinnon did what Mack does best—a filthy little shimmy to shake coverage, then a laser wrister through heavy traffic that snuck top shelf on Lukas Dostal. Top cheddar, game knotted at 2-2.

Then came the gut punch for Canada.

Early in the second, Sidney Crosby absorbed a barrage—first a crunch from Ondrej Palat, then a sandwich special from Radko Gudas and Martin Necas along the boards. It was a Radko Gudas hit that had Crosby’s right leg buckled awkwardly; he winced, favored it, skating to the bench, and slowly limped to the locker room.

Concern would be an MCL injury for Crosby

Majority are longer than day-to-day timelines so his tournament may be over pic.twitter.com/WpFa8VqzDg

— Dr. Harjas Grewal (@Harjas_Grewal) February 18, 2026

The captain was done for the night. Post-game, Cale Makar kept it real: “Yeah, I mean, at this point, it’s next man up. You lose a guy like that, it’s really tough. I hope he’s okay. I haven’t seen him yet.”

Nathan MacKinnon, on the injury: “Obviously, it sucks that he got hurt. Um, you know he’s obviously our captain, our leader. I hope he’s doing okay.”

Heading into the third tied 2-2 without Sid? Not the script most pundits had.

Czechia, physical and relentless, kept the pressure on. Then, with 7:42 left, they struck gold: Martin Necas threaded a perfect feed on an odd-man rush, and Ondrej Palat snapped it past Jordan Binnington’s blocker for a 3-2 lead. The Milano crowd erupted—Czechia was on the verge of one of hockey’s all-time upsets.

Minutes from glory.

But Canada refused to fold. With 3:27 remaining, Nick Suzuki played hero, tipping Devon Toews’ point shot perfectly—deflection magic to tie it 3-3. Heart rates skyrocketed.

Regulation’s dying seconds brought one last gasp: Martin Necas broke free on a breakaway with just over a minute left, going backhand five-hole… but he couldn’t beat Binnington, who was a wall late. Post-game, Necas reflected: “I tried to go backhand five hole and kinda missed the window there.”

Overtime arrived, 3-on-3 chaos. Just 1:22 in, Mitch Marner took a drop pass (from Celebrini in the rush), danced through three Czech defenders like they were pylons, and buried a slick backhander past Dostal. 4-3 Canada. The favorites survived the scare, advancing to the semis while keeping their gold-medal dream alive.

Mitch Marner says this is the biggest goal of his life, bigger than 4 Nations: “It’s even more special. I have my son here with me.” pic.twitter.com/hBoCv1jWTo

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) February 18, 2026

By The Numbers​

The Canadian side overcame two-defecits including one in the third period. No team entering the third period down a goal has won in this tournament, so to be down with just 3 minutes left in the third and somehow pull it off is quite a feat. Nathan MacKinnon had this to say about emotions inside this game, “Yeah, it was obviously emotional, nerve-wracking. I’m glad we got the win.”

It only took 1:22 of three-on-three overtime action for Mitch Marner to win the game for Team Canada. Not bad for a guy who was labeled a big game disappearing act by fans in Toronto.

Team Canada registered 41 shots on Lukas Dostal, who did all he could to earn his team the upset. Compare that to the 24 saves by Binnington, and I’d say he was the better netminder today.

Jordan Binnington made the saves late, but his overall performance will raise more questions heading into the semi-finals, seeing as his .875 SV% tonight probably won’t cut it going forward.

Avalanche Spin​

The Avalanche spin in this one is pretty obvious. As I wrote after his history-making performance yesterday, Martin Necas is clearly one of the best players in the tournament for any team—and he did even more to prove it today. Some detractors said it was easy for Marty to dominate against lesser prelim teams, but he showed up huge against the top-seeded Canadians, setting up their go-ahead goal and nearly stealing it late on a breakaway.

Necas had quite the quote about the upcoming rematch vs Canada in the quarters

(Via @drosennhl) pic.twitter.com/SDsQSSKo3H

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 17, 2026

Nathan MacKinnon with another power-play tally, and Devon Toews with a primary assist on the game-tying goal. I said before the tourney that I wanted to see Toewser get in on some big ones, and that Suzuki tip-in might be the biggest play of the tournament so far (outside of Mitch Marner’s OT winner)

Let us know what you thought of this thriller in the comments

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/olym...-canada-past-necas-and-czechia-crosby-injured