The Colorado Avalanche have gotten off to a strong 2-0 start to their preseason. The two wins against the Utah Mammoth offer encouraging signs heading into the 2025-26 season.
But there’s one particular sign that offers the most encouragement for the Avs moving forward. In the Avalanche’s 5-1 opener, Valeri Nichushkin dropped three assists. In the club’s 3-2 win, Martin Necas scored a goal and two assists of his own.
That’s back-to-back three-point efforts from two-thirds of the Avalanche’s top line. Sure, they’re preseason games, but it’s the sort of performance you’d expect from top players when not facing other teams’ best players.
Nichushkin and Necas’ dominance occurred without playing with Nathan MacKinnon. Considering that MacKinnon is as good as gold, the Avalanche’s top line is poised for a monster season.
With Nichushkin and Necas humming along on MacKinnon’s wings, the possibility of MacKinnon putting up video game numbers is quite high. But then again, Necas could be on the verge of topping 100 points.
Last season, the impending UFA notched 83 points while playing with the Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes. So, having a full season of Nathan MacKinnon along his side could be just the bump needed for Necas to reach 100 points.
As for Nichushkin, playing a full, healthy season could be just what the doctor ordered. Last season, the Russian forward returned from suspension in mid-November. He didn’t look out of place, but needed some time to ease back into the lineup.
This time around, a full season from both Nichushkin and Necas in the Avalanche’s lineup could be the winning formula for Colorado’s top line.
Colorado Avalanche second line looks equally formidable
The Colorado Avalanche’s second line looks to feature Brock Nelson with captain Gabe Landeskog and Artturi Lehkonen on the wings. That line could be the most formidable weapon coach Jared Bednar will have at his disposal.
Thus far, any questions about Landeskog’s health seem to have dissipated. His fisticuffs proved that the captain is not just going along for the ride. He not only showed his grit and toughness, but he also decked his opponent.
That attitude, combined with his overall skillset, could make the Avalanche’s second line one of the NHL’s best. The talent Lehkonen brings to the table gives center Brock Nelson plenty of targets moving forward.
Nelson is a tremendous playmaker. He may not score as many goals as other top-six centers. But his instincts remain among the best in the league. He can skate and find open wingers. That’s what Lehkonen excels at. He gets open and can score in close.
The Nelson-Lehkonen combination, with Landeskog patrolling the ice, could make the Avalanche’s top six one of the hardest to play against this season.
Don’t look now, but the Avalanche, barring another unreasonable wave of injuries, could have the pieces to get off to a flying start.