The Colorado Avalanche missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season after surprisingly making a post season appearance the year before in 2013-2014.

But, don’t be fooled by the disappointing season the Avs displayed in 2014-2015. This young hockey club will be one of the key teams to watch for the upcoming season.

In 2013, Hockey Hall Of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy was officially announced as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche by new general manager and former teammate of Roy’s, Joe Sakic.


Roy was one of the first steps Colorado took in its rebuilding phase. Believe it or not the Avalanche and their rookie head coach shocked the hockey world after they not only made the playoffs in 2014, but also won the Central Division title and finished second overall in the Western Conference.

After a quick defeat and exit in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Wild though, it appeared the Avalanche’s youth and inexperience finally caught up to them.

A sophomore slump last season was almost inevitable, especially after losing all-star forward Paul Stastny in free agency and when starting goaltender Semyon Varlamov began the season battling an ongoing groin injury.  

The Avs finished nine points out of the final wildcard spot in the Western conference and had 22 fewer points than the season before.

Time to panic for Colorado’s future?

No, the Avs will be a playoff contender from the Western Conference this season.

A fully recovered and healthy Varlamov will prove to be the backbone and main reason for Colorado’s success.

The 2014 Vezina Trophy finalist finally blossomed to his full potential during his first season under head coach Patrick Roy’s guidance.

Varlamov started in 63 games in 2014 and displayed an impressive 41-14-6 record – compared to last season’s numbers of appearing in 57 games and only having a record of 28-20-8.

An injured goalie, specially an ongoing groin problem, changes the whole dynamic of a team who relies heavily on a goaltender such as “Varly.” Nor, will he be the same player in the crease and making the big and timely saves the Russian goalie has displayed in the past.

But, a “ready-to-go” Varlamov this time around should be expected to start in over 60 games and win over 30 once again this year. Looking forward, and on another positive note, Varlamov was only the third goalie in NHL history to have three shutouts with 40 plus saves last season since 1967-1968, according to NHL.com. 

No More O’Reilly

Trading Ryan O’Reilly to the Buffalo Sabres was a good thing. Yes, you read that correct. The ongoing saga between whether the Avs should trade O’Reilly or not dragged on for the last two seasons, and now that he’s finally out it takes the monkey off the teams back.

Giving up the talented offensive threat in O’Reilly opens up a lot of breathing room for not only Colorado’s front office to have more salary cap space, but for other players and potential ones in the starting lineup as well.

In return for O’Reilly, the Avs have legitimate potential with the young and upcoming players Nakita Zadorov, Mikhail Grigorenko and J.T. Compher. All of whom are in their early 20’s.

The Return of MacKinnon

Nathan MacKinnon joined the entire Avalanche team in experiencing their sophomore slump. Even though the former 2013 first-overall draft pick was injured, after playing in an impressive 146 consecutive games, it was apparent he was going to struggle last season from the get-go.

After finishing his rookie season in 2013-2014 with 63 points (24 G, 39 A). McKinnon finished the 2014-2015 season with only 38 points, and was held off the stat sheet numerous times early in the year.

It happens to the best of professional athletes, especially when a team looks to and relies on a young star such as MacKinnon. Don’t sweat it Colorado, he’ll regain his form along with the rest of his Avalanche teammates and take this team by the horns. Fans should look forward to some gorgeous highlight real plays and goals from this future NHL superstar.

Don’t be surprised to see MacKinnon and at least one or two other Avalanche players collecting hardware at the NHL Awards Show next summer in Las Vegas.

Kyle McKenna covers the NHL for About.com Sports. he can be reached on Twitter (@KMcKenna_tLT5) or via email (mckenna.kyle91@gmail.com)