Moguls Before the Avalanche
It has been a bumpy start for the Colorado Avalanche, who now sit in fourth place in the Central Division with a 13-12-0 record, searching for any way to regain the dominant form they had less than a year ago. With 58 games remaining in the regular season, there’s still plenty of time to turn things around. However, their inconsistencies, combined with goaltending struggles and lackluster defensive play, have made it difficult to pinpoint exactly which area needs the most immediate attention. The Avalanche, once known for their high-powered dominance, are now struggling to find stability.
The recent trade of backup goaltender Justus Annunen to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Scott Wedgewood has left many Colorado fans wondering whether it was the right move—or if it will make much of a difference as the season progresses. Wedgewood will need time to settle in behind Alexandar Georgiev, who has had a frustrating start to the season.
Injuries have also taken a major toll on the roster, significantly impacting the team’s performance. Losing Ross Colton to a broken foot, which initially sidelined him for 6-8 weeks, is another devastating blow to an offense that desperately needs a spark. Colton was on a hot streak, tallying nine points in ten games before landing on injured reserve (IR) alongside Gabe Landeskog, Josh Manson, Oliver Kylington, and now Miles Wood, who recently suffered an upper-body injury.
On a positive note, Jonathan Drouin is making progress and is on pace to return, though he remains week-to-week. His longtime friend and teammate Nathan MacKinnon would certainly welcome his return, hoping it will help reignite the team’s chemistry and goal production. MacKinnon has been in a scoring slump, managing zero goals and just three assists in his last nine games—far from the explosive numbers expected from him. Meanwhile, Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen are still working their way back from extended absences.
With the season approaching its midpoint, the Avalanche must find answers quickly if they hope to climb back into contention.
- – Dante Robinson | Senior NHL Analyst for The National Sports Report
