Our first Colorado Avalanche player we will take a look at is defenseman Devon Toews, the skillful and crafty left-handed shot, who commands the blueline alongside Cale Makar. He appeared in all 82 games last season, for the first time in his career, and he made every single one count.
Toews, a regarded offensive defenseman, has been electric with the puck since breaking onto the scene in 2018-19 with the New York Islanders. Since coming over to Colorado four seasons ago, he has made a significant impact on the blue line.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Deovon Toews Season Recap
Alongside Makar in the first d-pairing, Toews had a stellar season in 2023-24. He was durable, appearing in all 82 games, and he put up some great numbers on the stat sheet.
He came up one goal shy of tying his career-high in goals, scoring 12 on the year. He also added 38 assists, for a total of 50 points. All of his points this season came during 5-on-5 play, which was a first during his 6-year career.
In the playoffs, he added another goal and five helpers, in what would be a disappointing postseason for the Avalanche. Overall, even though it came to a bitter end, Toews showed up and showed out on a nightly basis.
Devon Toews Grade: B
This grade would be much higher if he wasn't paired with the quote-unquote, "Best Defenseman in the World", in Makar. Toews earned himself a B for his 2023-24 contribution. This grade is respectable, and as he didn't hit any new career highs like he did in 2022-23, there is a lot of room for him to reach another level of his game.
At 30 years old, he still has some prime years ahead of him. Not to mention, he is under contract through 2031, and at $7.25 million, his contract will be very important to the longevity of this Avalanche playoff contender window. Since signing his extension, he has been nothing short of remarkable, and the Avalanche will benefit if he keeps this up.