Predicting the Colorado Avalanche opening night roster

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 28: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the second period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Climate Pledge Arena on April 28, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 28: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the second period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Climate Pledge Arena on April 28, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 28: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the second period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Climate Pledge Arena on April 28, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 28: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the second period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Climate Pledge Arena on April 28, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The return of hockey is upon us! The regular season is right around the corner, less than a week away, and training camp is in full swing, with position battles and the fight for ice time in full swing. Roster cuts are already occurring, and the staff here at Mile High Sticking is as curious as you are regarding the 20 Colorado Avalanche players that’ll step onto the ice against the Los Angeles Kings as much as you reading this are.

There will be some health bombs (healthy scratches) this season, and those players will be included as well as we dive into who the players will be to make up the opening roster.

With several cuts being made already, as previously stated, the battles have become slimmer, and in turn, less mystery surrounds the team on opening night.

Surely general manager Chris MacFarland and head coach Jared Bednar have their vision, and we all know the main cogs in this lineup. Who will the grinders be? Will the Avalanche keep a one-trick pony on the roster? Where will the hidden gems come from? Can careers be resurrected with new surroundings?