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Predicting the Colorado Avalanche opening night roster

By Sean McKenna

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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DENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 26: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the Colorado Avalanche tends goal against the Seattle Kraken in the third period during Game Five of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 26, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 26: Alexandar Georgiev #40 of the Colorado Avalanche tends goal against the Seattle Kraken in the third period during Game Five of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 26, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Colorado Avalanche goaltender prediction

Alexandar Georgiev has solidified the crease at Ball Arena for home games for the Avalanche. After being acquired from the New York Rangers in the summer of 2022 to be the number-one goaltender for Colorado, Georgiev cemented that status by posting 40 wins in 62 games last season. He has earned his position as the top choice between the pipes and should continue his stellar play.

The backup goalie spot to open the season is in question, as it appears likely choice Pavel Francouz is not recovering as hoped from an offseason injury and won’t be ready for opening night. There had been discussion of trades or internal options for this spot, and it appears the Avalanche will take the internal option.

The readiest goaltender in the system is Justus Annunen. Colorado optioned Arvid Holm to the AHL Colorado Eagles recently, and it appears they’ve all but confirmed that Annunen will be with the big club to start the season. He’s got NHL experience and hopefully learning from Georgiev as well as the NHL staff will help him progress moving forward.

Cuts happen every day, and surely one of these players will be shipped out or sent down prior to the season’s beginning. I’ll eat crow for that, and that’s fine, but this roster projection is the best guess for where Colorado will be on October 11. Here’s to a great season and a long playoff run.

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