News Avalanche Team Notes

[Colorado Avalanche]

A goodbye to Mile High Hockey from Managing Editor Evan Liu

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

The time has come to move on to bigger and better things personally - but MHH isn’t going anywhere!

Hello Mile High Hockey readers, a little more personalized and emotional piece from me today. After five years and six seasons with MHH covering the Colorado Avalanche, it’s time for a change.

TL;DR: I will be stepping away from MHH at the end of this week.

In October 2020 amidst a global pandemic, I was a lost college sophomore. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and was just going along with things hoping it would eventually come to me. Then I saw a post from the then-managing editor Tom Hunter looking for writers. I was taking a minor in media studies, enjoyed the Avs while following and reading along, and figured, “screw it, why the hell not?”

I was certain I was not going to end up working with the site with no previous experience. Even then, I thought it was going to be a painstakingly long process of interviews and written exams to even be considered for a role. But little did I know, just an email expressing my interest would get me here today.

At the time, I was unaware of the position of the site, where it had been, and where it was going. I just wanted to write and utilize my skills while covering my hometown hockey team. After the shortened COVID year and taking the summer off to go work at a remote summer camp, the opportunity to rise up the ranks as an editor and utilize our social media came along.

I still will never forget the first game I ever tweeted: November 3, 2021, at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets. After the Avs were up 2-0, Columbus scored three in the third to take a 4-2 lead. I thought I was a bad luck charm, but Bowen Byram had other ideas with his game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation. Colorado would still lose in overtime, but it was a thrill to cover on social media for the first time.

That season would be a magical one. Not only would I be a pseudo-managing editor after the departure of Hunter, but I would also get to cover and be a part of a Stanley Cup run. It was such a special moment for the community, the writers, and the editors, and was just the cherry on top of what was an amazing spring of 2022.

Officially taking the reigns before the 2022-23 season, I knew then I wanted to make this dream a career. I started working in athletic communications at Colorado State University in my senior year for more professional hands-on experiences and all-but changed my major from political science to media studies.

Three seasons later as a managing editor, I’ve gotten the opportunity to work at Ball Arena, meet and connect with great media members and mentors, and gain an even better understanding of the industry I still hope to be in full-time down the line. Even if the opportunities I’ve gotten have taken me across the country to New York to go back to school, I still have managed this incredible site - all for the love of the game.

And I will never, ever, take it for granted.

It’s bittersweet saying goodbye. It hurts to know I’m leaving a great place behind. Being able to bring the site out of the dark and back to life is something very special to me. I’ll be sure to check back into the old stomping grounds every once in a while. The future of this site will be in great hands, I just know it. More info on that will come soon.

This site and community of people is so staggeringly awesome. It’s a virtual town square for people to disconnect from the real world and talk hockey. Even when real life happened on our site with the staggering cuts by Vox Media, we made it through and are still standing two years later. Not everyone may agree, but we all know one thing: we want the best for the Avalanche organization both on and off the ice. When people can rally around just that, it will take everyone far.

It’s taken me far. It’s helped me find who I want to be. I can’t wait to see what’s next for me.

Speaking of what’s next for me, I can’t share too much right now. But just know, my time covering the Colorado Avalanche is far from done! I’ll link my personal social media accounts below so you know when it’s announced.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything Mile High Hockey. I can’t believe how much you’ve done for me. And for one last time on this site, Go Avs.

- Evan Liu | Twitter: @LLou1e | Bluesky: @evanliu.bsky.social

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...ile-high-hockey-from-managing-editor-evan-liu

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Mile High Pollster: Fans won’t be satisfied if Colorado is done dealing

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

A series of polls have been issued to Avs fans and the results are in!

We are just a couple of days from NHL Trade Deadline day, and this is the time of the year when things in the NHL really start to heat up. Everyone has their own opinion or vision of what their favorite team should or shouldn't do, as more than 3⁄4 of the season has come and gone. I wanted to give a space for that opinion and see what my X followers were feeling and thinking about Colorado's current state of affairs. Let's look at how things went!

Buyers, sellers, or both?​

I first wanted to discuss how fans wanted the Avalanche to address the deadline. It's important to remember that when this poll was issued, the Avalanche were winless since the four nations break and hadn't made the move that landed Vesey and Lindgren. Despite troubling times, 77% of fans still want to see the Avalanche lean into buying at the deadline.

Do you think the Avalanche should be buyers or sellers at the #NHLTradeDeadline?#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey | @MHH_LAB

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 24, 2025​

A couple of participants pointed out that they don't have to be one or the other in this scenario and that any good group should be combining selling overvalued assets and acquiring promising talent to help the here and now; like anything else, a balance should bring about the best results.

2 bad games coming off of a 2 week break. It’s not time to punt on the season. Make a trade for 1 top 6 forward and one middle pairing defender. Can’t give up on a prime season for Makar and Mackinnon

— Background_Sports (@RickBrunetti) February 24, 2025​

Is Cal Ritchie trade bait?​

If the Avalanche want to do some improving, they don't have many assets to deal with, but there is that kid who's once again absolutely lighting it up in the OHL, and his name is Callum Ritchie. After a brief stint with the big boys, Colorado sent Cal back to the OHL, effectively safeguarding the first year of his ELC. As is, he's Colorado's best prospect, but his success likely won't be realized soon. Still, fans, by a small margin, are leaning toward keeping Ritchie off the trade board.

Is Cal Ritchie on your trade board or untouchable? #GoAvsGo

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 26, 2025​

I think the near 50/50 nature of this poll does say something about things right now. The Avalanche feel like contenders with the best forward in the world (Nathan MacKinnon) and the best defender (Cale Makar), but some fans aren't sold on leveraging promising long-term assets. I attribute that to a very up-and-down/injury-riddled season and the changes this roster has undergone quickly. The whole goalie room was different in October, and the Avalanche are zeroing in on dressing 50 different players this season. Here's Jackie's take:

Every team ahead of Avs in standings (except old school Edmonton) has a 23U forward top 5 in their scoring. They’d be wise to not throw away their only chance at achieving this and keeping up.

— Jackie Kay (@tigervixxxen) February 26, 2025​

Will Gabe Landeskog play in the playoffs?​

I hate this poll and its answer, but it's still a question I must ask as we approach hockey in April. It feels like the Avalanche will again be without their captain for another entire season, and based on the overwhelming result, fans aren't all that confident. 72% of fans think Gabe won't play this postseason.

Do you think Gabe Landeskog will play for the Avalanche this postseason?#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 28, 2025​

I doubt Landeskog will ever play again.

— Avalanche Forever (@citchmook) February 28, 2025​

Did the Lindgren/Vessey trade move the needle?​

Colorado has already made plenty of moves this season, and we got another one in the form of Juuso Parssinen and Calvin de Haan for Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey (with conditional second —and fourth-round picks in 2025). I wasn't all that moved by the deal, although it feels like an attempt to bolster depth and find more grit and character in the bottom six and pairing.

Avs acquired Ryan Lindgren, Jimmy Vesey and the rights to Hank Kempf from the New York Rangers for defenseman Calvin de Haan, forward Juuso Parssinen, a second-round draft pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a fourth-round draft pick.

Did that trade move the needle for the #Avs?…

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 3, 2025​

It seems most fans agree that this either didn't move the needle or, if it did, only kinda sorta. This deal could be a precursor to a much bigger move as we near the deadline. I think not much value was added or lost in this deal, but I would like to bring in more Grit x/60.

I think the biggest thing might be Lindgren’s compete level and will to go 100% every time he touches the ice. Its something that has been kind of lacking since Kadri left.

— Kyle (@TheProspectNerd) March 3, 2025​

Are you satisfied if the Avalanche are done dealing?​

This series of polls has led me to one final pondering. If the Avalanche look at their assets and roster and say, "I think we are good," will you be satisfied? The proof is in the pudding, and if not making moves is the move that leads to Colorado hoisting soon, we'd all say we are satisfied. Without that crystal ball, we are left to sweat the small stuff. Are the Avalanche good enough as constructed or close enough to being genuine contenders to warrant an attack on the market? Or should they give it a go with what they've got and save some pennies for someday? Fans say to make your moves, and the time is now!

If the Avalanche do nothing else before the trade deadline, will you be dissatisfied?#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey | @MHH_LAB

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 5, 2025​

I was on the train of don’t buy like 2 weeks ago. But I’ve now seen the light. You buy every year you have #8/#29. Draft picks aren’t that valuable for us to have right now. Use them when you have 2 generational talents - pay for it later when we are really bad for a bit

— Kelley (@KelleyDenv) March 5, 2025​

We will be live on the Mile High Hockey Lab in about 30 minutes, so head to our YouTube channel and tell us what you think of these polls in our live comments section! Thank you to those who contributed to the polls and followed up with comments. You'll also get a shoutout on today's show!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...wont-be-satisfied-if-colorado-is-done-dealing

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Avalanche welcome Celebrini and the Sharks

Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images

Can Colorado push their win-streak to four games?

The Avalanche continue their longest homestand of the season with a matchup against the San Jose Sharks tonight! Ball Arena will be rocking as the Avalanche look to secure their fourth-straight victory. The Sharks and Macklin Celebrini roll into town and are still working on things, but they have found some success recently and hope to play spoiler against a surging Avalanche team. Will the Avalanche play down to their competition or take care of business?

Colorado Avalanche​

It has been a season of ups and downs for Colorado, and those downs have featured some losses to teams that, simply put, the Avalanche should beat. Tonight sets up just like that, so hopefully, Jared Bednar has the guys locked in from the start. If Colorado can establish an early lead, limiting ice time for guys like Cale Makar, who are uber-important but seemingly hobbled, that would be wonderful.

Time to welcome Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks to town! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/CjzzKIPOS5

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) March 6, 2025​

Game 63/82 could feature Colorado's healthiest lineup of the season, with Jared Bednar hinting at Josh Manson's return on Altitude Radio last night. It's a good time to be healthy with playoff position on the line. I'm not too big on matchups in the playoffs, which matter a lot, but I believe if a team in the league benefits from home ice, it's the Avalanche at altitude. Based on that, I think it should be at the top of the mind for the boys in burgundy to secure that second spot in the central division, ensuring home ice in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That will be a tough ask with Dallas and Minnesota ahead of the Avalanche. Winning streaks usually help, though!

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Valeri Nichushkin — Casey Mittelstadt — Jonathan Drouin
Ross Colton — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta
Miles Wood — Parker Kelly — Logan O'Connor

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
Ryan Lindgren — Oliver Kylington
Josh Manson

Note: We got word that Martin Necas was playing through an illness on Tuesday, and he's listed as day-to-day, so keep an eye on that.

San Jose Sharks​

The Sharks aren't going to make the playoffs, and they only have 17 wins this season, but they just got wins 16 and 17 in their last two contests and appear to be playing like a team with nothing to lose. That's always dangerous, and if you add Macklin Celebrini to the mix, the Sharks aren't as easy as on out as their record indicates. Celebrini is a shoo-in for Rookie of the Year honors and has 19 goals and 26 assists in his rookie campaign and four points over his last five contests. Not too shabby for an 18-year-old.

Projected Lineup:​

William Eklund — Alex Wennberg — Tyler Toffoli
Fabian Zetterlun — Macklin Celebrini — Will Smith
Barclay Goodrow — Nico Sturm — Luke Kunin
Collin Graf — Ty Dellandrea — Klim Kostin

Jake Walman — Timothy Liljegren
Mario Ferraro — Shakir Mukhamadullin
Marc-Edouard Vlasic — Jack Thompson

Goaltenders​

MacKenzie Blackwood is the confirmed starter after Scott Wedgwood spelled him in a victory over the Penguins. Blackwood will face his former club, and I bet Alexandar Georgiev will, too. Intrigue.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/3/6/24379330/preview-avalanche-welcome-celebrini-and-the-sharks

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Avs rout the Sharks in fourth straight win at home

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

Colorado remains perfect on the homestand so far!

Talk about a hectic night. Colorado is officially halfway through their current homestand and are perfect throughout this stretch, as they won against the San Jose Sharks by a final score of 7-3. The Avs also made a huge splash while the game was still going on and acquired Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders.

For now, though, let’s take a look back at all the action from tonight’s game!

First Period​

Joel Kiviranta would start the scoring in this game with a short-handed goal, as he managed to break the puck out of Colorado’s zone and created a two-on-one back the other way. He would be the one to take the shot on the odd-man rush ultimately, and made it 1-0 Avs with a great shot.

Special teams doing special things. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/kPX1mKAZXP

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025​

Cale Makar would tack on another goal after that on the powerplay. There’s not much to talk about on this play, as Makar just let a slapshot go from the top of the circles, and managed to beat Georgiev.

Cale Makar doing Cale Makar things (scoring goals!)#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/LOLrSS6pao

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025​

San Jose would get one back, however, as Fabian Zetterlund planted himself right in front of Mackenzie Blackwood and tip home a puck to make it 2-1.

That connection ‍ No. 51 No. 20 pic.twitter.com/LP9KmIT4nk

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 7, 2025​

The Avs weren’t done in this period, though, and Jonathan Drouin would make it 3-1 in Colorado’s favor with just two seconds left in the period. Martin Necas made a phenomenal pass to set up Drouin, who made no mistake and buried the puck.

Just how we Drou it up #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/2FT2Hfa0Ly

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025​

Second Period​

Colorado would pick up right where they left off at the start of the second period, as Martin Necas would convert on the powerplay for Colorado to give the Avs a 4-1 lead.

Signature shot. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/fOu5O5g6qA

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025​

Nathan MacKinnon would make it 5-1 Colorado after that, after managing to put home a rebound.

Third point of the night for the Dogg!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/Ko7SR8HY9g

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025​

Third Period​

MacKinnon would add on his second goal of the night as he was able to tuck home another rebound, making it 6-1 Colorado.

Cleaning up #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/mGDJA3jjJm

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025​

Macklin Celebrini, Cale Makar, and William Eklund would all three add goals for their respective teams in the remainder of this period, giving us our final score of 7-3 Colorado.

Goal for the rookie! pic.twitter.com/aQD8HhCEH5

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 7, 2025​

Sixth point of the night for Cale Makar! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/JzDDNF2jtu

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025​

Point for William Eklund pic.twitter.com/70QlXePotM

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 7, 2025​

Takeaways​

Obviously the big news of the night here while this game was going on was the Brock Nelson trade, but in relation to this game alone, this game went exactly how you wanted it to if you’re Colorado. The team was really firing on all cylinders here tonight, and they continue to build momentum and pick up points when it matters down the stretch. You’ll obviously need to continue picking up those points throughout the remainder of this homestand, but you have to be happy with the effort put forth thus far and the wins that they’ve managed to string together.

Upcoming​

The Colorado Avalanche continue their current homestand as they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, March 8th. Puck drop is at 5:00 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...an-jose-sharks-in-fourth-straight-win-at-home

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Trade Deadline Frenzy

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

Who will make the biggest deal or the worst deal?

Trade deals line day finally here as the day of many dreams and fantasies, will any come true? What will be the biggest — or dumbest — trade made in the NHL today? How many members of the Colorado Avalanche be on the move in their quest to dress 50 players this season?

Let us remind of the former Avalanche player bingo card. Can we still get a bingo? How many familiar faces will be moved in trades at all?

GM Chris MacFarland has been busy all season making moves reshaping the team. But he already pulled the trigger on one deadline season move with the aquisition of Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey from the New York Rangers.

Also, join us for a special edition of the Mile High Hockey lab podcast at approximately 12:30 p.m. MT as we discuss the trades already made and what may be coming down the pike at the 1 p.m. buzzer.

Be sure to follow along in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...dline-frenzy-colorado-avalanche-sidney-crosby

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Colorado makes two more moves on Trade Deadline day

Photo by Christopher Mast/NHLI via Getty Images

As the NHL Trade Deadline day comes to a close, let’s take a look at all the moves that Colorado made.

On NHL Trade Deadline day, the Colorado Avalanche were anything but quiet, as they picked up where they left off after acquiring Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders last night during their game against the San Jose Sharks.

Today, the Avs made two more trades before the deadline, acquiring Charlie Coyle from the Boston Bruins and Erik Johnson from the Philadelphia Flyers.

First, as previously mentioned, the Avs acquired Charlie Coyle and a 2026 5th-round pick from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Casey Mittlestadt, Will Zellers, and a 2025 2nd-round pick. This signals the end of the Mittelstadt era which began with promise but ultimately the Avalanche had to fix yet another mistake at 2C.

That BOS/COL deal

To COL: Charlie Coyle, 5th 2026
To BOS: Casey Mittelstadt, Will Zellers, 2nd 2025

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 7, 2025​

Coyle is certainly different than Mittlestadt, as he’s more of a shoot-first center rather than a pass-first one. He has a decent amount of size and physicality as well, and should being some valuable skills to the lineup. He has one more year left on his contract at $5.25M, giving some roster certainty while Nelson is just a rental at this time.

Charlie Coyle, acquired by COL, is a middle-six shoot-first centre. Goes to the net and makes himself available for passes to the slot, has slick hands too. Decent size and physicality, and while he's deployed as a shut-down centre he hasn't had a great D impact. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/dSKuGwXWK4

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 7, 2025​

After that, Colorado also brought back someone that everyone should be very well acquainted with at this point: Erik Johnson. His return for Givani Smith who couldn’t crack the Colorado Eagles lineup going the other way very much feels like both organizations doing Johnson a favor. Johnson returning also gives us a hit on the familiar faces bingo card!

Trade details:

To #GoAvsGo:
D Erik Johnson

To #LetsGoFlyers:
Givani Smith

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 7, 2025​

At this point in his career, Johnson is a veteran depth defenseman. He won’t bring a lot of flashy offense to the lineup for you, but you don’t need him to, and you know what you’re getting from him at this point in his career. Plus, he’s someone who’s beloved by the organization and fans alike as well. The concern is Johnson has played just eight games since his 1000th game ceremony in early November.

Erik Johnson, acquired by COL, is a veteran depth defenceman. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/M6zrJbJTes

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 7, 2025​

Colorado’s no doubt had a lot of turnover throughout this entire season up till this point and is on track to dress at least 48 players. It’ll be really interesting to see how this lineup gels and performs throughout the remainder of the regular season, especially with a lot of teams, especially the Dallas Stars, also stocking up today at the deadline. There won’t be many moves in the future with zero top 100 draft picks left in the next two drafts so betting big on this group is what the Avalanche have done.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/3/7/24380358/colorado-makes-two-more-moves-on-trade-deadline-day

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado vs. Toronto (5:00 p.m. MT)

Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images

It’s another Colorado Avalanche gameday!

As the dust settles from the NHL trade deadline, the Colorado Avalanche gear up for a big Saturday evening match with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Colorado has enjoyed a strong homestand winning four in a row meanwhile Toronto is hoping to find success in the west after dropping a game in Vegas.

Colorado Avalanche​

With no morning skate prior to the early evening game lines are a bit of guesswork but the assumption is all new players will be available in Colorado’s quest to dress 50 players this season. Nathan MacKinnon is two points away from 100 and what better stage than Hockey Night in Canada to achieve the century mark for the third year in row.

Projected Lineup

Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Necas

Jonathan Drouin - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin

Ross Colton - Charlie Coyle - Joel Kiviranta

Parker Kelly - Jack Drury - Logan O’Connor

Devon Toews - Cale Makar

Sam Girard - Ryan Lindgren

Keaton Middleton - Josh Manson

Toronto Maple Leafs​

The Leafs added a couple names they hope to make an impact with Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo, both should be in the lineup for Toronto. The Leafs also hope Auston Matthews will turn around a decreased shooting percentage as he has just 23 goals on the year.

Projected Lineup

Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Mitch Marner

Pontus Holmberg - John Tavares - William Nylander

Max Domi - Scott Laughton - Bobby McMann

Steven Lorentz - David Kampf - Calle Jarnkrok

Morgan Reilly - Brandon Carlo

Jake McCabe - Simon Benoit

Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Philippe Meyers

Goaltenders​

It should be a battle of starters with Joseph Woll in net for the visitors and MacKenzie Blackwood in for the Avalanche but we’ll see with the rest of the lineup at warmups this evening.

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/3/8/24380568/open-thread-colorado-vs-toronto-5-00-p-m-mt

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Nichushkin, MacKinnon lead Avalanche to come-from-behind win against Leafs

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Both players combined for five of the team’s seven goals.

The new guys were impressive, and the established veterans put on a virtuoso performance.

Valeri Nichushkin completed his first career hat trick. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice, burying his 100th point of the season in the process, and the Colorado Avalanche rallied to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-4 at Ball Arena.

The Leafs got off to a hot start, scoring three goals on the first nine shots of the game against Mackenzie Blackwood, but as the game approached the deep waters, Colorado began to poke away and eventually punctured the tires of the Leafs on both ends of the puck. MacKinnon’s power play goal at 15:45 of the third broke a 4-4 tie. Nichushkin added an empty-net goal, and MacKinnon followed suit to put the game away.

Colorado (38-24-2) finished with five unanswered goals. Newly-acquired Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle each had an assist in their respective debuts.

Mitch Marner and John Tavares each scored twice, and Auston Matthews had three assists to extend his point streak to 12 games for the Maple Leafs (38-22-3), who have lost three consecutive games. Despite making critical saves at stretches during the game, Anthony Stolarz took the loss in a 27-save performance.

On the other end of the ice, Blackwood recovered from a shaky start to take home the win as he stopped 17 of 21 shots.

First Period

Nelson made an impact from the onset, ringing one off the post in his first shot in the bergundy and blue. 56 seconds into the period, Nichushkin scored his 13th goal of the season when he deflected a shot from Lindgren that snuck under Stolarz’s blocker.

However, Toronto responded right away when Marner rang one off the post and in on the first shot of the game for the Maple Leafs.

With 13:52 remaining in the frame, Nichushkin scored for the second time, but in this instance, he was deadly on the forehand, gathering a loose puck from Nelson and cracking a wrister by Stolarz.

However, over six minutes later, a defensive turnover tied the game. Drouin coughed up the puck in the slot and Taveras, a former first overall pick, pounced on the opportunity and fired the puck by Blackwood.

The defensive struggles continued for the Avalanche when they got sucked down too low in their own zone. McMann beat Makar to the puck behind the net and found Marner in the slot unguarded. He blasted home a one-timer just above the right faceoff circle to give Toronto a 3-2 lead.

Second Period

The Avalanche went on their first power play of the game after Philippe Myers was whistled for tripping after Logan O’Connor drew the call. After a failed conversion, Michael Nylander was busted for hooking Nelson. Nečas was also cross-checked from behind on the previous play, and there were several trips in the opening period that were missed. From that perspective, Toronto only having two penalties at this point in the game was fortuitous.

With 7:46 left in the frame, Jack Drury was sent to the sin bin for hooking, although some felt it was a soft call. Unfortunately for Colorado, they immediately gave up a goal on the penalty kill to make it a two-goal deficit. Auston Matthews delivered Tavares a perfect feed for his second score of the game, but this time on the man-advantage.

Colorado, however, responded on a terrific transition when Ross Colton found Kiviranta in the slot to make it a one-goal game with 4:49 left in the period.

Nichushkin went for the hat-trick down with just over two minutes to go in the period still down 3-2, but his backhander was denied by Stolarz, which led big Val to pound the glass in frustration.

Third Period

Jonathan Drouin made it a 4-4 game with 8:05 remaining in the final period when he one-timed a pass from newly-acquired Charlie Coyle’s centering pass from behind the net at the left hash marks.

Nearly four minutes later, MacKinnon made it a 5-4 game on the power play when he beat Stolarz glove side with a wrister.

Nichushkin and MacKinnon then completed their twosome of empty-netters to send the home fans happy with yet another electrifying 7-4 victory.

Takeaways

Colorado made this game more difficult than they had to at the beginning. They dominated puck possession for the entirety of the game, but Toronto made them pay for their mistakes. Yes, there were defensive lapses and avertible stumbles, but a key part of a championship-caliber team is fighting through vicissitude and still finding a way to come out on top. Do Avs’ fans remember “Find A Way?” Get ready for another rendition. This was another fantastic victory.

Next Game

The Avalanche return to Ball Arena on Monday to face Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. local time.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...e-from-behind-win-against-toronto-maple-leafs

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Remade Avalanche face Maple Leafs

Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images

Who will win the first post-deadline battle?

As the dust settles from the NHL trade deadline, the Colorado Avalanche gear up for a big Saturday evening match with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Colorado has enjoyed a strong homestand winning four in a row meanwhile Toronto is hoping to find success in the west after dropping a game in Vegas.

Colorado Avalanche​

With no morning skate prior to the early evening game lines are a bit of guesswork but the assumption is all new players will be available in Colorado’s quest to dress 50 players this season. Nathan MacKinnon is two points away from 100 and what better stage than Hockey Night in Canada to achieve the century mark for the third year in row.

Projected Lineup

Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Necas

Jonathan Drouin - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin

Ross Colton - Charlie Coyle - Joel Kiviranta

Parker Kelly - Jack Drury - Logan O’Connor

Devon Toews - Cale Makar

Sam Girard - Ryan Lindgren

Keaton Middleton - Josh Manson

Toronto Maple Leafs​

The Leafs added a couple names they hope to make an impact with Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo, both should be in the lineup for Toronto. The Leafs also hope Auston Matthews will turn around a decreased shooting percentage as he has just 23 goals on the year.

Projected Lineup

Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Mitch Marner

Pontus Holmberg - John Tavares - William Nylander

Max Domi - Scott Laughton - Bobby McMann

Steven Lorentz - David Kampf - Calle Jarnkrok

Morgan Reilly - Brandon Carlo

Jake McCabe - Simon Benoit

Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Philippe Meyers

Goaltenders​

It should be a battle of starters with Joseph Woll in net for the visitors and MacKenzie Blackwood in for the Avalanche but we’ll see with the rest of the lineup at warmups this evening.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...e-colorado-avalanche-face-toronto-maple-leafs

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Breaking: Avs acquire Brock Nelson in a deal that sends Cal Ritchie & more

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

Avs get a head start on deadline day and make a mid-game trade for Brock Nelson.

The Avalanche are still playing a game against the San Jose Sharks, but that hasn’t stopped General Manager Chris MacFarland from dealing ahead of tomorrow’s trade deadline. The Avalanche have sent Oliver Kylington, Calum Ritchie, a 2026 1st round pick, and a conditional 3rd round pick in 2028 for Brock Nelson and William Dufour.

We have acquired Brock Nelson and forward William Dufour from the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward Calum Ritchie, a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 7, 2025​

Some saw this trade on the horizon, but I’m not sure many had a clear idea of the ask. Cal Ritchie was far and away Colorado’s best prospect before this deal, and his involvement (as well as that first-round pick) tells you that Avalanche management believes this team is ready to make a run. Management is clearly all in right now.

Brock Nelson is off to Denver!! ️ #NHLTradeDeadline pic.twitter.com/GOQifR6gYd

— NHL (@NHL) March 7, 2025​

Brock Nelson is a great player and a left-shot centerman with 43 points in 63 games this season. He’s the type of veteran presence that can bolster a team’s character, and he should slot pretty well into the second-line center role. We shall see how the lineup sorts out, but that should make the Avalanche much stronger up the middle, no matter where Nelson lands.

#GoAvsGo fans, congratulations to you guys also.

You are getting one hell of a player. Constant production, ultimate pro. Win him the Stanley Cup.

We will see him in the #Isles HOF one day.

Brock Nelson, farewell my friend pic.twitter.com/uBpdVylc53

— Isles Den (@IslesDen) March 7, 2025​

Let us know what you think of the deal in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...-nelson-in-a-deal-that-sends-cal-ritchie-more

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks (7:00 p.m.)

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

It’s a Colorado Avalanche game day!

Things are up and up in Colorado as the Avalanche have won five straight games after a successful trade deadline and impactful return of Val Nichushkin. During this win streak, Cale Makar put up a record six points in one night, MacKinnon scored his 100th point of the season, and Val Nichushkin logged his first regular season hatty. The Avalanche must beat Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks to secure a sixth straight victory.

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche have easily been the most active team in the NHL regarding trades, and this lineup looks different from the one that was iced back in October of 2024. A whole new goalie room and 5 of 12 forwards are new, and that might feel like an unhealthy turnover. That is, until you see the result on the ice.

Avs welcome Bedard and Blackhawks! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/zZLZ9YRzz1

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) March 10, 2025​

This new look makes this Avs team more prominent, experienced, and heavier than six months ago. It’s all about getting geared up for the playoffs, and the Avalanche now have a roster far more suited for the playstyle shift that comes April-June, in my opinion.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Jonathan Drouin — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Joel Kiviranta — Charlie Coyle — Ross Colton
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’Connor

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Ryan Lindgren — Josh Manson
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski

Chicago Blackhawks​

It’s another year of rebuilding for the Blackhawks and performing well inside that rebuild entry. Hopefully, the Hawks can start to get some talent around Bedard because this league and central division are better when the Hawks are competitive. Surprisingly, they defeated the Avalanche the last time they faced this season, but let’s hope that doesn’t happen again.

Projected Lineup:​

Colton Dach — Connor Bedard — Frank Nazar
Teuvo Teravainen — Ryan Donato — Ilya Mikheyev
Landon Slaggert — Nick Foligno — Tyler Bertuzzi
Pat Maroon — Joe Veleno — Lukas Reichel

Alex Vlasic — Louis Crevier
Ethan Del Mastro — Connor Murphy
Wyatt Kaiser — Alec Martinez

Goaltenders​

Spencer Knight and MacKenzie Blackwood are the unconfirmed starters this evening, so let’s watch the morning skate.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...rado-avalanche-vs-chicago-blackhawks-7-00-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Nathan MacKinnon makes history, Wedgewood shines in 3-0 shutout over Blackhawks

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Wedgewood continues to have the best season of his career.

It was a night to remember for Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche.

MacKinnon became the 100th player in NHL history to secure his 1,000th career point, and the Avalanche completed a perfect six-game homestand with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks Monday evening at Ball Arena. Scott Wedgewood was also brilliant in net with his second shutout of the season and the eighth of his career in a 22-save performance.

Artturi Lehkonen scored the game-winning goal, while Martin Nečas and Joel Kiviranta each scored for the Avalanche.

It was also the first game for perennial Av Erik Johnson since he returned to the club in a trade just before the deadline Friday. The 2006 first overall pick received a loud ovation when he jumped onto the ice for his first shift.

Newly acquired Chicago netminder Spencer Knight was superb for most of the game and made some highlight-reel saves, but took the loss in an 18-save performance on 20 shots.

First Period

The game started off with a “DOH!” moment when Conor Bedard was called for tripping just 10 seconds into the game, sending Colorado on a quick power play. The Avalanche entered the game, converting nine of their last 14 on the man-advantage. However, they failed to convert this time around.

Bedard was once again in the mix and not for a good reason, as he was checked from behind by Ryan Lindgren moments before getting struck in the throat with a puck. The play was immediately whistled dead by the officials as Bedard painfully made his way to the bench. He ended up recovering and finished the game.

Nečas had a goal waved off after he was found to be offside in a prolonged review. It was also a bummer for MacKinnon, who would have an assist on the play and saw his 1,000th career point stripped away. He celebrated for just under a minute as his teammates all joined the ice to congratulate him, just for the goal to be challenged and overturned.

MacKinnon got another opportunity with just over eight minutes to go in the opening period, but this time, he rang a wrister off the post. In the following play, Wedgewood was knocked on his backside, but no goaltender interference was called, forcing Wedgewood to become a ballerina. He threw up his glove and made one of the most impressive saves of the year.

Second Period

The second period started off with some adversity for the Avalanche. Miles Wood was whistled for goalie interference after he tripped and crashed into Knight. Moments later, Cale Makar was called for tripping. Some tense moments followed when Johnson sent Tyler Bertuzzi crashing into the net, knocking it off its moorings, and Johnson continued to whack him after the whistle.

Wedgewood had another save-of-the-year candidate when he robbed Falino on a Dominik Hasek-esque butterfly glove save, which drew roars of applause from the home fans. Time was subsequently called to repair one of the rink microphones and glass. Both suffered damage from the puck and required a ladder to conduct the operation. The microphone was covered with black tape, while the glass required more meticulousness.

When they returned to action, Johnson was sent to the box for tripping, giving Chicago its fourth power play of the game. However, not only did they fail to convert, but the power play also didn’t last very long as Ryan Donato was reprimanded after tripping Lindgren and sending him crashing to his backside against the boards. Colorado also failed to convert.

At the end of two, the game continued to be a goaltender spectacle, with Knight stopping all 15 shots, while Wedgewood shut the door on 12.

Third Period

Suddenly 31 seconds into the third frame, MacKinnon got his 1,000th career point for real this time. He dropped the puck to Devon Toews for a snapshot at the right point, and Lehkonen deflected it past Knight.

The Avalanche made it a 2-0 game when MacKinnon set up Nečas on the following shift for point No. 1,001 at 3:27. The goal was No. 22 on the year for Nečas and MacKinnon’s 75th assist, which gave him a league-leading 102 points.

Kiviranta added an empty-netter in the final minute to cap off yet another victory for Colorado on home ice.

Takeaways

MacKinnon is the third player to score 1,000 points with the Avalanche, joining the likes of Joe Sakic and Peter Stastny. The first two periods were closely contested and very technical. Colorado also overcame some questionable officiating at points in the game and continued to focus on the task at hand.

Jared Bednar and the Avalanche should be very proud of how this team is performing.

Next Game:

Colorado (39-24-2) currently stands points ahead of the Minnesota Wild (36-24-4) for third place in the Central Division. Their next game will be on the road against their division rivals on Tuesday evening. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. local time.

The Avs are now four points ahead of the Minnesota Wild for third place in the Central Division. They will be in the Twin Cities on Tuesday night to face the Wild. The winner of the game will win their three-game season series, as both teams each have a victory.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...in-colorado-avalanche-shutout-over-blackhawks

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild (6:00 p.m.)

Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

It’s a Colorado Avalanche game day!

We are just wiping the sleep out of our eyes from last night’s win over the Chicago Blackhawks and celebrating Nathan MacKinnon’s 1,000th career point. Still, we will have more history to witness tonight as the Avalanche travel to Minnesota for a matchup with the Wild.

Colorado Avalanche​

It still feels like we are in the honeymoon phase of this rejuvenated roster, but it also looks like this sort of success is sustainable now that the Avalanche have bolstered their depth both on the backend and in the forward group. That’s not to say they will win every game, but they should be competitive night in and night out with good goaltending and scoring ability.

0 #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/jz2jDyVV0k

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 11, 2025​

Gotta love a back-to-back!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/rTZtWl24FY

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) March 11, 2025​

You might be reading that last paragraph and thinking, “What depth did we add on defense.” His name is Erik Johnson, and he goes by The Condor. When he was added, many saw it as just a solid to the veteran cup winner, but he performed well last night and brought back a sense of pride and togetherness to this group.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Jonathan Drouin — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Joel Kiviranta — Charlie Coyle — Ross Colton
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’Connor

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Ryan Lindgren — Josh Manson
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski

Mackenzie Blackwood

Minnesota Wild​

The Wild are winless in their last two and are still without two of their best players, Kirill Kaprizov & Joel Eriksson Ek, heading into tonight’s division rivalry night, but they are still plenty capable. The Avalanche must separate themselves from the Wild, who are behind them in the first wild-card position with 76 points (Avalanche - 80).

Projected Lineup:​

Matt Boldy — Marco Rossi — Vinnie Hinostroza
Marcus Johansson — Frederick Gaudreau — Mats Zuccarello
Marcus Foligno — Ryan Hartman - -Gustav Nyquist
Yakov Trenin — Devin Shore — Justin Brazeau

Jacob Middleton — Brock Faber
Declan Chisholm — Jared Spurgeon
Jon Merrill — Zach Bogosian

Filip Gustavsson

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...colorado-avalanche-vs-minnesota-wild-6-00-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Morning Flurries: Documenting Landeskog’s Return

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Catching up on all the recent Gabe Landeskog news.

The world around Colorado Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog has been pretty quiet since the nearly two years after his major cartilage replacement knee surgery culminating with Chris MacFarland stating Landeskog wouldn’t be ready to play or even practice before the trade deadline.

Suddenly news dropped last week about Landeskog’s five-part documentary chronicling the rehabilitation process and coping with not being able to play. It airs on TNT and is available on-demand on TNT/MAX platforms.

Then, Landeskog began a media tour to promote the documentary and tease the potential of his return, perhaps in the playoffs? He sat down with Altitude TV to go over the possibilities.

There was also an interview with Spittin’ Chiclets where Landeskog really gets into detail about the injury, pain and ultimately the decision to do the major surgical procedure.

Wherever the road takes Landeskog from here he has an army of support behind him as we eagerly await to hear and see what steps are ahead of him in this process to return to the ice.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...orning-flurries-documenting-landeskogs-return

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Mile High Pollster: Fans fear Dallas the most heading into the playoffs

Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images

Mikko’s new club looks like the likely 1st round matchup!

It's another installment of Mile High Pollster! Adrian Hernandez took to X this week to get the Colorado Avalanche fan perspective, and some interesting results have come back. Let's take a look!

How'd we do at the deadline?​

Let's start questioning whether this Avs team is better now than before the trade deadline. It appears that fans are extra confident now, with 96% of the vote going to 'Yes.' People like to see their favorite team making a real effort to position themselves as contenders again. Whether or not it works out, if hockey is entertainment, this Avalanche franchise provides plenty of that with all the moves they have made this season. Sometimes numbers are ironic, though, with that 96 making an appearance!

Are you more confident in this #Avs lineup compared to the roster before the deadline? #GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey | @MHH_LAB

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 10, 2025​

Look at that. 96%.

— justgigiontario (@justgigi2021) March 10, 2025​

The Wild Wild West​

We are less than a month away from the start of the 2025 NHL Playoffs, and playoff matchups are starting to get more easily speculated. With that, let's look at the powerhouse teams of the West and weigh our worries!

Who do you fear in the West? #GoAvsGo

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 11, 2025​

I'm with AJ; all these squads will be tough out in the playoffs. I agree with the poll, with Dallas seemingly stacked for a real run at the cup. The Avalanche will have to face at least two teams on this list if they plan on making a run themselves. I am surprised that Winnipeg didn't get more of the vote with their dominance in the regular season.

All of them?

— AJ Haefele (@returnofaj) March 11, 2025​

'Boo' or 'Moose'​

Ah yes, Mikko Rantanen is set to return to Colorado, but this time wearing victory green. Yuck. How exactly will the Avalanche welcome the man who was traded to Carolina and subsequently okayed a move to a Division Rival? We have a 50/50 split on booing or not boing Moose this Sunday. Either way, he will think you are saying 'MOOOSE."

Will you boo Mikko Rantanen?#GoAvsGo

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 11, 2025​

He’s just gonna think you are saying “moose” lol #GoAvsGo https://t.co/2vpYCzchWE

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) March 11, 2025​

Grading McFarland's season of moves​

How do fans grade Chris MacFarland's work this season? At a minimum, it feels like the consensus is B to B+. That's a darn good grade for a GM who traded away his most promising prospect and 50-goal/100-point & Stanley Cup-winning winger. Don't take that last line as criticism (ultimately), as it says a lot about how pleased fans are with what the roster looks like due to those moves. Now, what will it take to deem them a success?

What letter grade would you give #Avs GM Chris MacFarland for his work this season?

If you give him an F, you must write in and tell us why!#GoAvsGo

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 11, 2025​

B+
he fixed the goalie problem...
Fixed some holes im the lineup...
Final grade to be given after the playoffs

— Anthony Pacino (@AnthonyPacino11) March 11, 2025​

Cup or Bust?​

The Avalanche are sitting at the table, looking at 16, and have said, "Hit me." They have weighed the risk and the reward and have decided this squad is close enough to take the leap. It's officially "plan the parade or else" around here, and that's an exciting but dangerous mindset. Will the deadline moves be enough to push this team over the edge and back into the history books and on Lord Stanley?

How do the #Avs have to finish in order for you to deem this season and its transactions a success? #GoAvsGo

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 11, 2025​

They’re shoving all their chips in.

It’s Stanley Cup or bust

— Buck (@bucky620) March 11, 2025​

Rival up!​

The Avalanche have a game to play on Friday, but it feels like all eyes are already fixed on Sunday's showdown with the Dallas Stars. Dallas already has Matt Duchene, who pimped a heartbreak celly in last year's playoff series, they already eliminated the Avs after a questionable 'too-many-men' call, and Jamie Benn has Jamie Benned through all of that. It's safe to say the rivalry was already there, but does the Mikko Rantanen saga add to that? Can you fill what's already overflowing?

Do you sports hate Dallas even more than before?

Or have you been at a 10/10 sports hate before then Mikko madness?#GoAvsGo

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 12, 2025​

For some fans, it goes even deeper than what the Avalanche and Stars have been through together:

They stole my team from the heartland of hockey in the 1990s, and now they have taken my boy.

— Avaholic (@BlaisHunter) March 12, 2025​

This poll segment will be a weekly installment, and if you want in on the voting, head over to X and follow Mile High Hockey.

Thank you to all who participated and wrote in on the polls. You make this installment possible and fun. Keep it up!

If you have more to say, join the Mile High Hockey Lab today at 3:30 p.m. MT and be heard via the live comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...ear-dallas-the-most-heading-into-the-playoffs

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

MHH Roundtable: Hopes and fears for what lies ahead

John A. Babiak

Unpacking where the Avalanche stand after all their moves.

After concluding what some might consider a shocking and franchise-altering trade deadline, especially in concert with other moves made this season, we unpack where the Colorado Avalanche stand heading into the final 16 games of the regular season.

What move did you like the best?​

Adrian: I liked the addition of Martin Necas more and more every day. We all felt the Avalanche special teams were getting stale with Mikko, Nate, and Cale so definitively positioned in their roles. Since the start of the Marty Party, the Avalanche have had one of the best powerplays in the league. It’s fresh and fantastic.

Ezra: The Lindgren add was the lowest cost/lowest risk deal so I like that - pretty safe to assume he ends up being a better fit on Colorado’s third pair than New York’s first pair, and Jimmy Vesey is a solid, responsible fourth liner. But I agree with Ado - once the organization decided to move on from Rantanen, they had to get tremendous value back to not totally lose whatever deal they made. Necas has been just that.

Jackie: I’m never going to rubber stamp a rental move and choosing one of the goalie trades here is cheating a little bit so I have to go with moving on from Casey Mittelstadt was the best move even if it cost entirely way too much to move out the best player in the deal. It begs the question, did Mittelstadt have negative value? And how many more trades will the Avalanche have to lose to fill the hole at second line permanently? But in a vacuum that’s the better move overall.

What move did you like the least?​

Adrian: I don't like how expensive Charlie Coyle was regarding the required assets. You hope to keep Zellers or the pick in that deal, but I guess that’s the cost of trading away a guy with an inflated contract. Avs paid Mittestadt to be 2C and he certainly was not that.

Jackie: Chris MacFarland did what he and Joe Sakic said they wouldn’t do, which is move major assets for a mid-30s rental and they did just that in the trade for Brock Nelson. It feels of desperation to shift organizational philosophies that significantly. Cal Ritchie was just named The Hockey News’ 13th best prospect in hockey and was the organization’s only hope of replicating the impact young 23-and-under players such as Anton Lundell, Wyatt Johnston, Matthew Knies, Aliaksei Protas, Alex Laferriere, Cole Perfetti, Pavel Dorofeyev, Seth Jarvis among others which are providing for their teams at the top of the standings. Doing right by MacKinnon and Makar means giving them the best chance to win throughout the rest of their primes, not just in a single season where they likely won’t even have home ice in the playoffs.

Ezra: Again, I agree with Ado. Mittelstadt for Coyle straight up would have been a tough enough pill to swallow, so throwing in a pick AND a prospect feels like dreadful value. That said, the whole league knew Colorado was trying to move on from Casey and Boston was smart to not give CMac an easy deal to do it. I don’t love the Nelson price either because I do like Ritchie, but moving a guy who won’t be ready to truly contribute to a Cup run for a couple years in order to get one who can this year is literally how this business works so I can accept that.

What is one reason to fear the moves won’t work out?​

Jackie: I understand there’s multiple ways to build a team and that an exact replica of 2022 doesn’t have to exist to produce a champion. But it’s just that I feel is missing — a team. Chemistry and cohesion was so important to that 2022 squad and one that returned 14 key players from the team that suffered the disappointing defeat to Vegas the year prior. Now the Avalanche have played 13 players this season who didn’t even attend training camp in the fall. You can’t buy or manufacture a championship and I fear this is a hard lesson that will be learned in the near future.

Adrian: Well, anytime you go all in and leverage your best long-term assets, you run the risk of not hoisting, and it is for not. When you don’t win and move on from long-term assets, windows shrink as you have to make moves to compensate further down the road. That’s a slippery slope.

Ezra: Two words: Cal Ritchie. The Sakic-CMac front office’s track record of moving on from prospects is pretty good because they don’t typically draft high enough to have guys who go on to real success elsewhere, even when they get hyped up like Ritchie, Alex Newhook, Justin Barron, and Conor Timmins all have. Time will tell if Ritchie ends up like those guys, or a high end piece of an Islanders retool. There’s reason to believe he’s different - if not for a shoulder injury his draft year, some scouts had Ritchie getting picked in the top ten. If Cal does become a star this deal will hurt, but ultimately the trade gets graded on whether or not Nelson helps bring another Cup to Denver.

What is one reason to believe the moves will work out?​

Jackie: I will always say special players do special things and understand that with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar on the ice anything can happen. Colorado is not the only team with two superstars, however, and there’s only so much two human beings can do. But if the dream is to lift Lord Stanley’s Cup again those two are definitely at the forefront of making that a reality.

Adrian: Whether they are wrong or right, it sounds like the Avalanche appreciates Colorado’s willingness to go all-in again this season. Namely, Nathan MacKinnon hit us with “I don’t think you can win with young players” in a presser, and to me, that sends a clear message. This group thinks they are close, and whether or not anyone believes them doesn’t matter. Knowing that MacKinnon feels honored in the Avs’ efforts to bolster the lineup, I find hope.

MacKinnon keeping it real here.#GoAvsGo

pic.twitter.com/f2BXYNTEDs

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 8, 2025​

Ezra: Early returns on these trades have been very good! But more importantly, if you look at recent Cup winners - Florida, Vegas, the ‘22 Avs, and Tampa - they all have a couple things in common: excellent top pair defenders backed by strong depth, quality two way centers on three lines, a defensively responsible fourth line, and a deadline trade for a forward who plays top six minutes. After these moves, Colorado checks all four of those boxes.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/3/13/24381611/mhh-roundtable-hopes-and-fears-for-what-lies-ahead

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Colorado falls to Minnesota 2-1 in shootout

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

And just like that, Colorado’s six-game win streak is snapped.

After going a perfect 6-0 on a homestand going into this game, the Colorado Avalanche saw their win streak finally came to an end on the road as they lost 2-1 to the Minnesota Wild in the shootout.

Let’s take a look at how it all happened tonight.

First Period​

This game was very low event from the start with shots 6-5 in favor of the Wild through the first 20 minutes of play. It was a cautious approach with a lot of blocked shots and perimeter play. Neither team would end up scoring in this period, and we would head to the second period tied at 0-0.

Second Period​

The Wild would be the ones to break the ice first. Mats Zuccarello would convert on a little 2-on-0 opportunity off of a turnover from Martin Necas in the Colorado offensive zone, giving the Wild a 1-0 lead.

Zuccy top shelf pic.twitter.com/ygeyjqYU95

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 12, 2025​

Third Period​

There was a greater sense of urgency at both ends of the ice and then Joel Kiviranta would eventually tie this game with about five minutes left in regulation. Sam Girard threw a backhand shot on goal on this play, and Kiviranta deflected it past the Minnesota goaltender, tying this game at 1-1. From there, we would head to overtime to decide this game.

And just like that, we have a tied game #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/2cgaCGklrr

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 12, 2025​

Overtime​

The 3-on-3 overtime period would not be enough to decide this game, and this game would ultimately be decided by a shootout. Mats Zuccarello and Matt Boldy converted on Minnesota’s first two attempts, and the Avs were unable to find the twine on either of their two attemps from Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, so the Wild walked away with the extra point here tonight in the 2-1 final.

Takeaways​

Colorado’s win streak had to come to an end at one point or another unfortunately. Honestly though, there are worse ways to have it end than on the second half of a back-to-back in the shootout, because at the very least you got a point here tonight after not being able to generate a whole lot in the second or third periods. Obviously it’s not the outcome you probably wanted, but because Colorado took care of business on the homestand that they’re coming off of, they’re still three points ahead of Minnesota and pretty solidly in third place in the Central Division for the moment.

Upcoming​

Colorado heads out to Calgary on Friday, March 14th to take on the Flames. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...anche-falls-to-minnesota-wild-2-1-in-shootout

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Avs streak into Minnesota for matchup with Wild

Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

The six game win streak can continue on the road tonight!

We are just wiping the sleep out of our eyes from last night's win over the Chicago Blackhawks and celebrating Nathan MacKinnon’s 1,000th career point. Still, we will have more history to witness tonight as the Avalanche travel to Minnesota for a matchup with the Wild.

Colorado Avalanche​

It still feels like we are in the honeymoon phase of this rejuvenated roster, but it also looks like this sort of success is sustainable now that the Avalanche have bolstered their depth both on the backend and in the forward group. That’s not to say they will win every game, but they should be competitive night in and night out with good goaltending and scoring ability.

0 #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/jz2jDyVV0k

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) March 11, 2025​

Gotta love a back-to-back!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/rTZtWl24FY

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) March 11, 2025​

You might be reading that last paragraph and thinking, “What depth did we add on defense.” His name is Erik Johnson, and he goes by The Condor. When he was added, many saw it as just a solid to the veteran cup winner, but he performed well last night and brought back a sense of pride and togetherness to this group.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Jonathan Drouin — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Joel Kiviranta — Charlie Coyle — Ross Colton
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’Connor

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Ryan Lindgren — Josh Manson
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski

Mackenzie Blackwood

Minnesota Wild​

The Wild are winless in their last two and are still without two of their best players, Kirill Kaprizov & Joel Eriksson Ek, heading into tonight’s division rivalry night, but they are still plenty capable. The Avalanche must separate themselves from the Wild, who are behind them in the first wild-card position with 76 points (Avalanche - 80).

Projected Lineup:​

Matt Boldy — Marco Rossi — Vinnie Hinostroza
Marcus Johansson — Frederick Gaudreau — Mats Zuccarello
Marcus Foligno — Ryan Hartman - -Gustav Nyquist
Yakov Trenin — Devin Shore — Justin Brazeau

Jacob Middleton — Brock Faber
Declan Chisholm — Jared Spurgeon
Jon Merrill — Zach Bogosian

Filip Gustavsson

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...s-streak-into-minnesota-for-matchup-with-wild