The Colorado Avalanche’s offseason plans are up in the air as they face uncertainty surrounding key players Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Landeskog, the team captain, has been sidelined for two full seasons with a knee injury and his return remains uncertain. Nichushkin, on the other hand, left the team in the middle of the postseason for off-the-ice issues and faces a suspension without pay.
President Joe Sakic and general manager Chris MacFarland are tasked with making tough decisions as they navigate the future of the team. Coach Jared Bednar expressed the challenges of planning without clarity on the situations of Landeskog and Nichushkin, emphasizing the need for answers to build the team around.
Despite the setbacks, the Avalanche made significant moves at the trade deadline to strengthen their roster, acquiring key players like Casey Mittelstadt and Brandon Duhaime. The team’s playoff run was cut short with a double-overtime loss to the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of the second round, highlighting the need for adjustments in the offseason.
Star players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar had standout performances, with MacKinnon breaking franchise records for points in a single season. As the offseason approaches, the Avalanche will have to address contract negotiations with Mittelstadt and other free agents while also bidding farewell to veteran forward Zach Parise, who announced his retirement after 19 seasons.
The future of the Avalanche hangs in the balance as they look to regroup and come back stronger next season.