The Colorado Avalanche head into the postseason with structure, confidence, and a roster built to handle playoff pressure. Over the course of the regular season, they tightened their defensive play while maintaining consistent scoring across lines. This balance has pushed them back in the center of the Stanley Cup race.
As the 2026 playoffs begin, league executives widely view Colorado as the team to beat.
NHL Executives Pick Avalanche As Stanley Cup Favorites, Citing Elite Depth and Star Core
Colorado’s case starts with how complete the roster looks on paper and on ice. In a recent evaluation by The Athletic’s Harman Dayal and Chris Johnston, league executives gave the team top-tier backing, with one executive stating, “They’re just loaded.”
This sentiment reflects how the Avalanche have built a lineup that blends high-end talent with experienced depth across all positions.
Another executive pointed to the core pieces driving that belief, highlighting the impact of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. He also referenced important additions, noting, “The Kadri addition was great… having Necas and Nelson, it’s just a good team.” The mix of returning stars and new contributors has reshaped the roster without losing its identity.
Colorado’s front office made several changes aimed at extending its championship window. The departure of Mikko Rantanen was a major shift, but the incoming group helped offset that loss. Martin Necas delivered a 100-point season, while Brock Nelson added stability down the middle. Nazem Kadri’s return strengthened the third-line center role, giving the team more flexibility for important playoff situations.
Defensively, the team added Brent Burns for veteran presence, while the goaltending tandem of Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood provided consistency. That duo allowed the fewest goals in the league, reinforcing Colorado’s improved structure in its own zone.
Gabriel Landeskog’s return also changed the tone of the lineup. After missing significant time, he played 60 games and brought leadership that had been absent. His presence has added to the depth, especially in a playoff setting where experience matters.
Still, not every executive sees a perfect roster. One raised concerns about winger depth and Landeskog’s durability over a full postseason run. “I don’t know if they have any difference makers on the wing,” the executive said, while still placing Colorado among the top contenders.
History offers both confidence and caution. The Avalanche dominated their 2022 Stanley Cup run with a 16-4 record, showing how effective this core can be at its peak. However, they have won just one playoff series since that run in their next three playoff appearances.
As Colorado prepares to face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round starting April 19, expectations remain high. The roster looks ready, the belief around the league is strong, and the opportunity is clear. Now, execution will decide if that confidence turns into another championship.
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