The Colorado Avalanche will head into this upcoming season looking over their shoulder. In particular, two teams stand out as the most compelling contenders: The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild.
But there could be another contender that may emerge as a serious thorn in the Avalanche’s side: The St. Louis Blues.
The Blues were one of the most active teams of the offseason. The organization managed to weaponize its four first-round picks to bring in some substantial additions. Plus, one major trade, the Jordan Kyrou deal, landed them a major piece.
All told, the Blues added Brandon Carlo from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks, and Connor McMichael from the Washington Capitals. Those additions, plus rising stars like Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Jake Neighbours, look to complement incumbents like Dylan Holloway, Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich, and Philip Broberg.
As such, the Blues could be the team to look out for in 2026-27. And they could pose a significant threat to the Avalanche.
Now, it’s not that the Blues are suddenly going to go from a playoff miss to a first-place finish. While anything is possible, it doesn’t look to be that way. The Blues, nonetheless, should prove to be strong contenders for a playoff spot this upcoming season. That’s why they could end up becoming a monkey wrench in the works for Colorado.
Blues could challenge for a playoff spot in Central Division
We’re operating under the assumption that the Avalanche and Stars will take up two of the three top spots in the Central. That situation would leave the third playoff spot up for grabs. It seems like Minnesota should claim that spot. So, Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota would claim those top three spots.
The only question mark would be the order in which they could finish.
That said, the situation here would be one of Utah, Nashville, and St. Louis vying for that third spot. It may end up coming down to four teams duking it out for one playoff spot.
The other three clubs that fall short would have to end up fighting for the two wild card spots. And judging from last season’s Pacific Division clubs, it could very well end up being five Central Division teams claiming postseason berths in 2026-27.
In short, the Avalanche need to do their thing. Go out there and win. That’s what it ultimately boils down to. You win, and you’re in. It’s always been like that, and it should not change this season.
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