Casey Mittelstadt
At the outset of the season, I predicted an explosion for Casey Mittelstadt. Given his numbers from last season, I felt that Mittelstadt could reach the 70-point plateau, potentially reaching a point-per-game pace.
Thus far, he’s registered seven goals and 23 points in 36. While those numbers are hardly overwhelming, Mittelstadt has provided something crucial this season: consistency. He’s played every game and has been a solid second-line center amid the ridiculous line shuffling Bednar was forced to do with so many injuries.
With things settling down, Mittelstadt’s overall game has improved. He’s playing more like the center everyone all thought he would be, showing increased confidence. That is why Mittelstadt will be a player to watch in 2025.
It’s still not out of the realm of possibility that Mittelstadt reaches 70 points. He could go on a hot streak and close to within a point-per-game pace.
But the biggest factor that should influence Mittelstadt’s performance is having consistent linemates. The chemistry he can build with guys like Mikko Rantanen, Nichushkin, and Ross Colton can go a long way toward helping all players achieve solid numbers.
In my estimation, Mittelstadt should benefit greatly from the Christmas break, and should get a welcome vacation from the 4 Nations Faceoff. The days off during the tourney should provide Mittelstadt with time to rest and recover for a strong stretch run as the season dwindles.
There’s one other point about Mittelstadt. He’s only 26 and starting to really come into his own as a center. Centers usually take a little bit longer than wingers to truly round into form. So, expect Mittelstadt to become increasingly mature the more he plays on a team like the Colorado Avalanche.
Barring injury, Casey Mittelstadt should provide the Colorado Avalanche with the type of second-line center not seen since the days of Nazem Kadri.