The Colorado Avalanche won’t have much time to ease into the 2026-27 season.
The Avs will open the campaign against the LA Kings on Wednesday night at Ball Arena. And given last season’s Western Conference Final appearance, fans are looking for a return to the Stanley Cup Final and another championship.
Considering how most pundits are picking the Avs to make it all the way this season, it’s crucial for the team to hit the ground running in this rematch of last spring’s first-round matchup.
So, let’s take a look at three points heading into the season opener for the Avalanche.
Nathan MacKinnon on the Avalanche top line have to set the tone
There is no question that Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas will have to set the offensive tone for the game and the season.
MacKinnon and Necas, along with Artturi Lehkonen, will be looking to follow up on monster campaigns. MacKinnon captured the Rocket Richard Trophy last season with 53 goals, while Necas had his first 100-point season.
Those two superstars will be doing most of the offensive heavy lifting. And that’s who everyone will be looking to stop this season.
Against the Kings, the top line will have to establish its dominance early. There is no question that a strong season opener will set the tone for the rest of the season.
It’s also worth noting that the Avs will be playing with 11 forwards due to injuries and cap considerations. That makes depth scoring all the more important. So, look for secondary scorers like Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, and captain Gabe Landeskog to be the main drivers of offensive support behind the Avalanche top line.
TJ Hughes will get major opportunity in Colorado
One of the biggest storylines heading out of training camp is TJ Hughes. The Avalanche signed the 24-year-old as an NCAA free agent, hoping he’d make that team. Not only did he make the team, but he’s also going to be a secret weapon in the team’s top power play unit.
Now, that’s something worth keeping an eye on. The Avalanche struggled with the man advantage last season. And seeing as how Colorado will only be playing with 11 forwards, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Hughes pulling double duty on the third and fourth lines.
That situation will create a massive opportunity for the rookie forward. He will have an immediate opportunity to show what he can do. In fact, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Hughes light up the scoresheet in his debut.
All eyes will be on defense and goaltending
Lastly, all eyes will be on the Avalanche blue line and the crease. Mainly, Cale Makar will be a major focal point after signing his historic contract extension. So, expectations will be for the 27-year-old to keep doing what he’s done throughout his career.
But beyond the contract and production, it’s worth noting that Makar is coming off a major injury sustained toward the end of last season. Then, there’s a minor injury scare during training that may play a factor at the beginning of the season.
Since the Avalanche will be rolling with seven defensemen in their season opener, coach Jared Bednar may be looking to spread everyone’s ice time out a little bit more. That’s going to be important at the beginning of the season, while everyone gets up to speed and finds their legs.
Lastly, goaltending will be key. MacKenzie Blackwood should get the call. A solid game will be crucial in setting the tone for the season. The Avs are coming off a Jennings Trophy win and will be looking to replicate that success in 2026-27.
Puck drop will be at 8 pm MDT.
Add us as a preferred source on Google