Top 5 Avalanche to Watch 2015-16

Dec 17, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) and center Matt Duchene (9) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) and defenseman Erik Johnson (6) celebrate Duchenes goal against Dallas Stars goalie Dan Ellis (not pictured) during the first period at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Saying Colorado Avalanche fans were disappointed by the 2014-15 season is something more than an understatement. I’d like to think we’ve pretty much shook off that year, though, and we’re ready for Redemption Season.

The 2013-14 season was a dream — one in which the players say they felt like they were on a high the whole time. The 2014-15 season was one fraught with injuries and indecision. Now, with the 2015-16 season, we’re finally going to see what the Avalanche’s mettle is.

We know by now how our core players are. We know who the newbies are. Which five players, though, are we going to be watching most closely, not only because we want to see what they’re capable of but also what they can do for the team?