3 key takeaways from Avalanche preseason

The Colorado Avalanche’s regular season is just days away. Wednesday night, the burgundy and blue will christen the 2026-27 campaign as they take on the Los Angeles Kings. If the offseason felt brief, that's because it was. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the preseason schedule was shortened by two games. Those missing matchups will now be added to the regular season calendar.

On the surface, this seems like a minor change. Indeed, it was something the players wanted. Even so, the shift significantly cuts evaluation time. For players on the fringe, that means something. So, who made the most out of their opportunity?

To answer this question, let's take a look at each position group. Even with a minuscule sample size, some things were made apparent.

T.J. Hughes earned his spot

The forward depth chart is always the most crowded. Numerically, that's easy enough to understand. But the concern this season is obvious. The Avalanche forward corps saw some notable losses via trade this summer. Out are Valeri Nichushkin and Jack Drury. One was a breakout contributor to the club's last Stanley Cup; The other, a premium depth guy and faceoff ace.

It was announced yesterday that T.J. Hughes has made the team. That's amazing news for the rookie. Going off in the third preseason game and potting a hat trick impressed everyone. Even more eye-opening is this extra tidbit shared by reporter Evan Rawal.

Hughes is getting a massive opportunity to start the season on PP1. Colorado's woes on the man- advantage last year were obvious. It was their biggest weakness as a club. Honestly, something had to change at a philosophical level.

Does this mean that the new #13 is being asked to replace the old #13? Well, the answer is complicated, but it's maybe a yes, with caveats. Physically speaking, Hughes can't hope to replace Nichushkin. There is a 4-inch height difference, and maybe 30 pounds between them.

But production-wise, the rookie winger might be a spark the Avalanche need. Hughes is older than your typical rookie at 24-years-old. Hughes served as Michigan's captain as they reached the Frozen Four last season. His numbers jumped off the page: 57 points in 40 games.

It's also worth noting that Hughes looked to have fast chemistry with both Nazem Kadri and Jaden Schwartz on Friday. I expect that trio to be the third line on Wednesday. Schwartz is another important pickup from this offseason. A steady vet, Schwartz likewise has leadership chops. In fact, he wore an A in Seattle for the past five seasons.

The players Hughes beat out for this opportunity were most notably Gavin Brindley and Taylor Makar. Both had strong camps and will likely be among the first call-ups from the AHL when necessary. Brindley remains one of my favorite young forwards to watch. His tenacity is undeniable. If not for a few injuries last season, Brindley might have stuck with the big club last year.

Taylor Makar looks like he has taken a positive step since last season. Avalanche fans obviously want the younger Makar to succeed. Taylor has improved his skating speed and was noticeable every game. Unfortunately, he also took two big open-ice hits on Saturday. He did not return after the first period.

Noah Juulsen will be the 7th defenseman

Noah Juulsen looks as though he will slot in as the extra defenseman to start the season. This is undoubtedly about pro experience. With over 200 starts in the NHL, Juulsen likely had the job from the jump.

I can't honestly say I know much about his play style. Flyers fans I saw on social media seemed more than happy to have him leave. I will reserve judgment until I watch him on the ice. Every hockey fan is familiar with how a fanbase can pile on a lone defender.

The recent history of Samuel Girard and Brett Kulak speaks to this very tendency. I was a Girard fan until the end, and to be completely forthright, I was skeptical of Kulak. Stylistically, though, the swap was smart for Colorado. Kulak came in with a chip on his shoulder after being traded twice in one season and played well.

Considering what is being asked of the last defenseman on a bench, Juulsen might be a perfect fit. When compared with guys like Keaton Middelton or Jack Ahcan from the last few seasons, this is a safe bet.

I do think Alex Gagne and Gustav Stjernberg each acquitted themselves well in preseason. Honestly, I was hoping to see more flash from Sean Behrens. As a young prospect with a significant injury history, he may have been a bit hesitant to test his top speed.

Mackenzie Blackwood is the club's #1 goalie

Mackenzie Blackwood got the starts that mattered more. Those would be the first and third preseason contests. Despite Scott Wedgewood's career-best season in 2025-26, he is still viewed as a backup. Perhaps he is the best backup in the league, but this shouldn't be controversial.

Blackwood was always supposed to be the top netminder in Colorado. Starting last season on the shelf opened the door for Wedgewood to perform, and he did. There is zero fault to Wedgewood in that scenario.

The later injury Blackwood suffered again threw a monkey wrench into the team's plans. The tandem was still largely excellent together. You don't win the William M. Jennings trophy without both guys pulling their weight.

Ultimately, however, the internal controversy over who to start when it mattered most may have been a net negative. Blackwood being healthy to start the year can hopefully set him and the Avalanche off on the right foot.

Ilya Nabokov did see significant minutes in the first two preseason games. The Russian rookie came in as scheduled relief for both halves of The Woodyard. While Nabakov wasn't perfect, he did show some trademark quickness that made him a high draft selection.

With Trent Miner sidelined with an undisclosed injury, Nabakov will surely get work in for the Colorado Eagles. Perhaps he will mirror what Wedgewood did last year, but in the AHL, and shine in Loveland. The overhaul in net from just two seasons ago feels like another world.

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