Colorado Avalanche: 5 Predictions for 2015-16

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Apr 3, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the Pepsi Center score board prior to the start of a shootout period between the New York Rangers against the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

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The Colorado Avalanche will officially start into its 20th season in almost three weeks, when the team commences the annual training camp on September 17 (September 13 for rookies). That’s when we will finally get a first glimpse at the new players’ abilities, and an idea for where each of them may realistically slot in on the lineup. However, predictions are more fun before that, when you know little, and more guesswork is involved.

Will Nathan MacKinnon bounce back from his rough sophomore season? Will the Colorado Avalanche bounce back from a rough season as a whole? What about the new players? Can they fill the roles they are supposed to?

It’s impossible to answer these questions for sure, but here are five rather bold predictions for the 2015-16 Colorado Avalanche season.

Next: Avs Prediction #5

Oct 16, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) during warmup prior to game against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Nathan MacKinnon Will Play Center

Ryan O’Reilly out, Carl Soderberg in. That’s the plan, anyway. Soderberg is expected to center the second line, with Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon on his wings. The problem with that: Soderberg may just not be good enough.

Soderberg’s numbers so far have been those of a good third liner, but not more.

It’s not that I think it’s impossible to grow into his role. It’s just that he’s 29 — which is older than many people think he is, based on the fact that he’s only played two NHL season to date — and that’s generally past a player’s prime.

The good part is, MacKinnon may be ready to step into a bigger role. How could I say that after the season he had last year? Well, I just believe a sophomore slump can happen to anyone, and he’s still an outstanding player, which he will prove next season.

Soderberg will start the season at center, but Patrick Roy likes to change things up when they aren’t working. I like MacKinnon on the wing, but Soderberg will be moved down so MacKinnon can play center, once Roy realizes Soderberg isn’t working out on the second line.

Next: Avs Prediction #4

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Mikko Rantanen poses with team executives after being selected as the number ten overall pick to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Mikko Rantanen Will Play 40 NHL Games

If Soderberg moves down to the third line, who will move up to the second-line right wing? Well, how about this young man?

Nathan MacKinnon Will Score 30 Goals, 30 Assists

Back to MacKinnon. The Colorado Avalanche youngster will be one of the team’s leaders next season. Not only will he center the second line, but he will do so in a great manner.

How about a bounce-back season with, say, at least 30 goals and 30 assists? The last Avalanche player to have scored 30 goals was Joe Sakic in 2006-07. Big footsteps to fill, but who will, if not MacKinnon?

MacKinnon’s best season so far was his rookie year, when he recorded 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points. Will he be even better than that next season? Possibly not, but 30 goals and 30 assists should totally be possible. Let’s hope for the best.

Next: Avs Prediction #2

Mar 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Duchene Will Be Colorado Avalanche Top Scorer

In 2014-15, the Colorado Avalanche’s top scorers were Jarome Iginla and Gabriel Landeskog, with 59 points each. I just predicted MacKinnon will get at least 60 next season. That would have been team-best this year, but not in 2015-16.

Matt Duchene will beat MacKinnon to the team-internal scoring title. An exact prediction? How about… 70 points?

Duchene is set to center the first line with Iginla and Tanguay again. If that doesn’t work out, chances are that he’ll be paired with someone new. Whoever that may be, Duchene will step up and lead this team to better times. Better times may not be the playoffs just yet, but it will be a first step in the right direction.

Next: Avs Prediction #1

Apr 17, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning goal during the overtime period of game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Avalanche Will Not Finish Last in Central

I did say that finishing last in the Central Division may be the most realistic outcome. Guilty as charged. However, I also said they may make the playoffs, while struggling in their division.

So, what does that mean? Well, finishing last is a very realistic outcome — that’s just a fact. Let 10 objective hockey writers do a Central Division power ranking, and nine out of 10 will have the Colorado Avalanche in last place.

But power rankings aren’t everything, and they usually don’t resemble the actual standings. It will be a tough task, and the Avalanche may miss the playoffs again, but I am sure they’ll find a way to not finish last. That may not be as good as you may have hoped to hear, but it’s realistic. Not very bold, but it’s a prediction.

What do you think of those predictions? Do you agree with them? Let us know in the comments!

Next: Do Avalanche Players Lack the Will to Win?

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