As summer winds down and we inch closer to the 2024-25 NHL season, there is significant uncertainty regarding the personnel of the Colorado Avalanche. Recent developments over the past week suggest that OG veteran Gabriel Landeskog may have a chance of returning toward the beginning of the season. However, there remains considerable doubt about the severity of his knee injury, which led to cartilage replacement surgery a little over a year ago and caused him to exit the lineup in what many believed could be a permanent absence. For many fans, this situation continues to be a distraction, while others remain optimistic and hopeful for his return to the 1st line. If he is able to return, the first two months of the season will be crucial in determining how Landeskog’s future with the team unfolds.
With fresh young talent flowing through the veins of this NHL franchise, 2024 Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon may have a shot at stitching the “C” on his jersey if, worst-case scenario, Landeskog does not return. Last year, MacKinnon essentially took on the role of team captain, doing a marvelous job as he steamrolled through the season, putting up staggering stats with 51 goals, 89 assists, and a plus-minus of +35 in 82 games during the 2023-2024 season. Let’s also not forget about Artturi Lehkonen, who has been a tremendous contributor to the Avalanche’s success over the last few seasons, finishing the 2023-2024 season with 16 goals and 18 assists. Lehkonen’s absence will be felt during the first part of the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery, although he has a better chance of returning to the lineup, unlike Valeri Nichushkin.
Speaking of Valeri, most professional players are taught to have a short memory and move on quickly during the postseason. However, Nichushkin’s disappearance for the second consecutive year during a crucial playoff run did not sit well with his teammates or fans. Despite significant interest from the KHL, Val’s suspension for at least six months without pay and his placement in Stage III of the league’s player assistance program with the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players’ Association) clearly indicate that he is not someone the Avalanche can rely on as a “leader” type player. Even after finishing the 2023-24 regular season as a sensational difference-maker with 28 goals and 25 assists, his absence leaves a noticeable void. With Gabriel Landeskog, Valeri Nichushkin, and Artturi Lehkonen all out, the Avalanche will be missing nearly half of their top 6 forwards as they start the season.
Photo Credit: ESPN
