Top 3 scenarios for Colorado Avalanche in 2024-25 – Hockey Writers – Colorado Avalanche

One of the most interesting teams in the NHL next season could be the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche are just two seasons removed from hoisting the Stanley Cup for the third time, a dominant campaign from start to finish.

Cap issues are tough enough for teams like this, but the Avalanche have faced many challenges. Gabriel Landeskog's knee injury, Valeri Nichushkin's suspension, and Bowen Byram's trade for Casey Mittelstadt created a very different landscape for the team.

We can spend time talking about the question marks and negative aspects facing the team, but let's keep it positive. Instead, let's take a look at the three best-case scenarios the Avalanche could see coming to fruition.

Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin Return

The elephant in the room – or elephants, as it were – is the possible return of Landeskog and Nichushkin. Landeskog hasn't been on the ice since hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2022, and Nichushkin's sudden departure in the middle of the playoffs sent shockwaves through the franchise.

Related: What Can Gabriel Landeskog Give The Avalanche In 2024-25?

There is currently no specific return set for Landeskog. He is expected to return this season and his addition will be a big one for the Avalanche top six who need him the most. His leadership and gentleness can be greatly appreciated.

Nichushkin, on the other hand, has a number of hurdles to clear before he can return. Bringing him back, alone or in addition to Landeskog, would give the Avalanche a very good top six. He led the team in goal scoring last season, so his size, physicality, and scoring presence could be a big boost for the Avs.

Casey Mittelstadt Is Having a Career Year

The trade that brought Casey Mittelstadt to town seemed productive for both the Avalanche and the Buffalo Sabres. After a slow start, he finished the regular season with 10 points in 18 games before recording nine points in 11 playoff games.

Mittelstadt has perhaps the closest watch. Some feel this could be a breakout year for him, establishing himself as the clear No. 1 center. 2 behind Nathan MacKinnon. Over the past two seasons, he has developed into a solid, reliable 55-60 point player. Taking that next step would be huge for the Avalanche.

Being in a better team overall will benefit Mittelstadt. If he can get time on the power play with MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar, it will propel his numbers.

Alex Georgiev Takes the Next Step

Alex Georgiev is probably the strongest player entering the NHL. Over the past two seasons, he has started 124 games, winning 78 of them. His numbers have been solid, and he has been a constant presence in the Avalanche crease. Justus Annunen may be the future, but Georgiev is here.

What was knocking him was that he was not playing well, especially when the qualifying games were played. Maybe he was a little above average in the second round playoff loss to the Dallas Stars last year. That might be good over the years, but he needed to be better, especially with the loss of Nichushkin to suspension.

This is Georgiev's contract season and the Avalanche will depend on him a lot. While it's a no-brainer to say he'll be in contention for the Vezina Trophy, it wouldn't be surprising to see the 27-year-old turn in the best season of his career thus far. That alone would make the Avalanche a team to watch.

Lots of Chance with Avalanche

At the end of the day, the Avalanche should be a Stanley Cup contender. Their core of MacKinnon, Rantanen, and Makar is as good as anyone, it's just a matter of putting the pieces together.

The return of their two best forwards, the rise of Mittelstadt, and a breakout season from Georgiev could be the recipe the team has been looking for. If all goes well, it wouldn't be a stretch to think the Avalanche could lift the trophy again.