NHL Team: Colorado Avalanche
Conference: Western
Division: Central
2022-23 Recap: The Stanley Cup Hangover and the injury bug hit this team harder than traveling to Las Vegas and Lauderdale for the Cup run this summer. This equated to a mediocre regular season and washing out early in the playoffs. The drama of Nichushkin did not help and I’m not sure his offseason antics are helping either.
Biggest Loss: J.T. Compher – The Michigan product was a Swiss Army knife for the Avs the last 7 years, playing up and down the lineup and was a huge contributor on special teams.
Biggest Addition: Ryan Johansen – Being shipped out of Nashville will be a huge wake-up call for this superstar. Going to a team like Colorado where he can play 2nd line behind MacKinnon will get him more favorable matchups to produce the points he is expected with that contract.
2023-24 Outlook: I expect to see a very hungry team right out of the gates this year. Central Division Champions and another run for the Cup. They have to make it to the Western Conference Championship at least or the season is a bust.
Player To Watch: Cale Makar – Is there an NHL24 cover curse? NO, Cale will be the best defenseman in the league and a must-watch every shift. I think a 100-point season is coming. Look out, league.
2023-2024 Season Bet: Central Division Champions +150 – Everyone is high on Dallas, but as the Original #29 I’m riding the Avs to win the Division.