Colorado Avalanche lead pack in TV exposure during 2025-26 season

The Colorado Avalanche will be at the forefront of TV exposure during the 2025-26 season.

According to a recent X post, the Avalanche will be featured in 17 nationally televised games across the United States. The games will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN+, and ABC.

That’s 17 out of a total of 100 games this upcoming season. The Avs are tied with the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings for the most exclusive airtime. Other popular teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers will get less exposure than the Avalanche.

Putting the Avs at the forefront of the NHL’s broadcast schedule makes sense. Colorado is a playoff contender and boasts two of the league’s biggest stars in Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Plus, the Avs have an unsurprisingly large fanbase throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. That’s why it makes sense for the NHL and the TV networks to feature the Avalanche. Similarly, the Bruins and Red Wings’ large fanbases also make them a huge draw around the league.

Meanwhile, teams with high-profile stars like the Edmonton Oilers will also get plenty of coverage. The same goes for seemingly rebuilding clubs like the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins. These clubs have big-ticket stars fans want to see.

Colorado Avalanche stars great for TV ratings

It makes sense that the NHL wants to put the Colorado Avalanche front and center of its TV schedule.

First, there’s Nathan MacKinnon. He’s the consensus second-best player in the NHL behind Connor McDavid. While I beg to differ, MacKinnon is always a huge draw. He’s a powerful forward and has all-world skills.

Then, there’s Cale Makar. The reigning Norris Trophy winner could be on track for a 100-point season in 2025-26. That’s something the NHL would certainly want to cash in on. So, putting Makar and Mackinnon atop major TV broadcasts is certainly profitable.

But there’s more to the Avalanche than MacKinnon and Makar. Gabe Landeskog will become one of the most talked-about storylines this upcoming season. While he may not play every night, he’ll be in the spotlight due to his miraculous recovery.

Also, there are other players to watch in Colorado’s lineup. MacKenzie Blackwood, Brock Nelson, Devon Toews, and Valeri Nichushkin are some of the names NHL fans will hear more and more as the season wears on.

It’s no surprise the NHL is so high on the Colorado Avalanche. A great regular season and a strong playoff run could boost the Avs to the top of TV ratings and popularity.