The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for the 2026-27 NHL season, and their recent moves have sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. With a mix of veteran additions and promising young prospects, the team is looking to build on their impressive 2025-26 campaign, where they finished first in the Central Division and reached the Western Conference Final. Here's a breakdown of their key signings, trades, and the players on the cusp of making an impact.
Key Arrivals
Jaden Schwartz: The 34-year-old forward signed a three-year contract, bringing his experience and goal-scoring prowess to the Avalanche. Schwartz's ability to bury rebounds and create scoring chances will be crucial for the team's success. His time with the St. Louis Blues, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2019, showcases his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Fedor Svechkov: Acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators, Svechkov is a 23-year-old forward with a knack for playmaking. His 13 assists and 17 points in 70 games last season were career-highs, and he has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Avalanche's offense. Svechkov's size and skill set make him a versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways.
Zachary L'Heureux: Another addition from the Predators, L'Heureux is a 23-year-old forward with a strong two-way game. His five points in 25 NHL games last season and 28 points in the AHL demonstrate his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. L'Heureux's size and physicality will be valuable assets for the Avalanche's depth.
Noah Juulsen: Signing a two-year contract, Juulsen is a 29-year-old defenseman who brings a strong two-way presence. His 10 points and plus-3 rating in 52 games for the Philadelphia Flyers last season indicate his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. Juulsen's experience in the Stanley Cup Playoffs will be a valuable asset for the Avalanche's defensive core.
Key Departures
Valeri Nichushkin: Traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nichushkin was a key contributor to the Avalanche's success. His 49 points in 72 games last season and four points in the playoffs showcase his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Nichushkin's size and skill set made him a valuable asset for the team.
Jack Drury: Another player traded to the Predators, Drury had a solid season with 27 points in 82 games. His five points in the playoffs indicate his ability to step up in crucial moments. Drury's departure leaves a void in the Avalanche's forward group, but the team has addressed it with the addition of Svechkov and L'Heureux.
On the Cusp
Sean Behrens: A 23-year-old defenseman chosen in the second round of the 2021 draft, Behrens had a strong showing in the AHL after a knee injury sidelined him for the 2024-25 season. His 23 points in 55 games demonstrate his offensive capabilities, and his experience as a two-time NCAA champion will be valuable for the team's development.
Ilya Nabokov: Nabokov, a 23-year-old goalie, had a strong showing in the Kontinental Hockey League, going 22-7-5 with a 2.74 GAA and .901 save percentage. His entry-level contract with the Avalanche indicates his potential to become a key player in the team's goaltending rotation.
Nikita Prishchepov: Prishchepov, a 22-year-old forward, had a strong showing in the AHL, despite a lower-body injury. His 12 points in 22 games demonstrate his offensive capabilities, and his development will be crucial for the team's success.
Alex Gagne: Gagne, a 23-year-old defenseman, had a strong showing in the AHL, with 13 points in 58 games. His experience as a captain at the University of New Hampshire and his offensive capabilities make him a valuable asset for the team's development.
What They Still Need
The Avalanche's success hinges on the contract negotiations for Cale Makar, one of the best defensemen in the NHL. Securing his long-term contract will prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent after this season. Additionally, the team could benefit from adding younger players to their roster, as their average age of 31.10 is the third-oldest in the NHL.
Edge Stat to Watch
The Avalanche's speed and perimeter shooting capabilities were standout features last season. They led the League in average shot speed (60.36 mph) and 20-plus mph speed bursts, showcasing their ability to create scoring opportunities. Forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas were among the top 10 in 20-plus mph speed bursts, indicating their ability to create scoring chances.
Fantasy Spin
The Avalanche's strong performance last season and their talented roster make them a top contender in the NHL. With three players (MacKinnon, Makar, and Necas) among the top 15 in fantasy rankings, and each goalie ranked among the top 15 at their position, the team has a well-rounded approach to fantasy hockey.
Projected Lineup
The projected lineup showcases a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players. Artturi Lehkonen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Martin Necas form a powerful top line, while Gabriel Landeskog, Nazem Kadri, and Nicolas Roy provide depth and leadership. Jaden Schwartz, Brock Nelson, and Zachary L'Heureux bring goal-scoring and two-way play, and Fedor Svechkov adds versatility to the forward group.
In summary, the Colorado Avalanche's recent moves have added depth and talent to their roster. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young players, the team is well-positioned to build on their success from the previous season. The addition of Jaden Schwartz, Fedor Svechkov, and Zachary L'Heureux brings goal-scoring and playmaking capabilities, while the players on the cusp of making an impact will contribute to the team's development and success in the upcoming season.
