It’s hardly a state secret that the Colorado Avalanche are among the top picks to have a strong 2026-27 season. But now, there seems to be data that proves this assertion.
Yes, it’s still August. Early predictions, however, posit that the Avs could be heading to the 2027 Stanley Cup Final.
The updated 2027 NHL Draft order at Tankathon reveals the Avalanche landing the 31st pick of next year’s draft.
That pick, of course, is pledged to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of the Nic Roy trade. But the Avalanche’s placement shows a very interesting situation. The final two picks in the first round are given to the Stanley Cup finalists.
In this specific exercise, the 32nd pick goes to the Carolina Hurricanes.
So, what does all of this mean?
On the surface, it shows that the Avalanche will make it all the way to the fourth round in the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The problem will be that the Avs figure to lose the final at the hands of the Hurricanes. That situation would make the Canes back-to-back champions.
While getting back to the Cup Final is a great feat on its own, it won’t be enough to quell the championship thirst of Avalanche fans. The only thing we’re hoping is wrong in this prediction is that the Avs actually get the 32nd pick, even if it goes to Toronto.
Predictions show familiar playoff path for Avalanche
Looking more closely at how the 2027 NHL Draft order is set, there is an interesting path visible. It would appear that the Avalanche would have a very similar playoff route in 2027 to the one in 2026.
The LA Kings are set to land the 17th overall pick. That would mean the Kings would be the first team eliminated in the 2027 playoffs. That situation could very well mean they’ll be the second wild card team in the Western Conference. As such, Colorado could make it as the top seed in the West. And that could also mean another four-game sweep for the Kings.
Another interesting point emerges with the Dallas Stars picking 24th. They would be the last team eliminated in the first round. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild figure to pick 25th, likely suggesting that the Wild and Stars will go the distance in round one. However, the Wild likely run into the Avalanche again, getting a speedy bounce in round two.
That situation would set up, at least according to the projection, a very interesting Western Conference Final. The Edmonton Oilers are projected to get the 29th pick (pledged to the Chicago Blackhawks), suggesting that the Oilers and Avalanche would meet in the third round.
If such a West Final plays out, it could be one for the ages.
All told, the algos seem bullish on the Avalanche. Let’s hope that the algos are right, except for the fact that Colorado loses to Carolina in the Cup Final.
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