Avalanche Kicks Off 2025-26 Season in Peak Health Compared to Last Year
Colorado Avalanche Set for 2025-26 Season Opener Against Los Angeles Kings
The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for the 2025-26 NHL season opener against the Los Angeles Kings this Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena with a nearly healthy roster. This season, just nine players from last year’s opening-night lineup return, highlighting significant changes to the Avalanche’s lineup.
Gabriel Landeskog’s Anticipated Return Boosts Roster
Captain Gabriel Landeskog is slated to make his first appearance in a regular-season game since March 2022, marking a momentous return that has invigorated his teammates. Both Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin, who missed the first 10+ games last season, are also expected to be in the lineup.
Collectively, the Avalanche have 78 goals, 60 assists, and 138 points from players who weren’t available at the start of the previous season. “We’re relatively healthy,” remarked Landeskog. “And I think that’s huge to start the year off.”
Stability and Key Signings Strengthen the Avalanche
Many of the healthy players from the end of the 2024-25 season remain on the roster. Brock Nelson, a critical component, signed a three-year extension in June, and Joel Kiviranta secured a one-year deal in August. Mid-season acquisitions Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and Scott Wedgewood participated in their first training camp with the Avalanche, further enhancing team chemistry.
Landeskog’s return eliminates previous uncertainties, which Nathan MacKinnon praised, saying, “With Gabe back, it’s nice not to have any more uncertainty around our whole team.”
Jared Bednar: Depth and Health are Key
Head Coach Jared Bednar believes the team is well-equipped to perform at a high level. “This is probably the deepest team we’ve had since the 2021-22 squad that brought us our third Stanley Cup,” Bednar said. “We feel like we’re a deep team right now and starting healthier than we have in the past few years.”
Despite the positive outlook, the Avalanche will miss goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and forward Logan O’Connor against the Kings due to injuries.
Team Spirit and Readiness: Insights from Devon Toews
Defenseman Devon Toews notes the team used the preseason to fine-tune strategies without having to integrate numerous new players. “We can get down to the nitty gritty a lot quicker,” Toews explained. “We don’t have to bring as many guys along with our system and structure and all of that.”
A Fresh Start with High Hopes
After a rocky start last season at 0-4-0, the Avalanche aim for a stronger launch this year. “I think we’re a very hungry group,” Landeskog expressed. “Probably as motivated and as excited as we’ve been in a long time. And that’s a good way to start the season.” The first game against the Kings serves as an early litmus test for the team’s aspirations in the 2025-26 season.
