Colorado Avalanche News, Trades & Rumors

Overview | Schedule | Roster | Stats | Salary Cap
Prospects | History | Management | Goaltending | Season Preview

Like several other franchises, the Colorado Avalanche began as a World Hockey Association (WHA) franchise, the Quebec Nordiques, for the 1972-73 season. They won one WHA championship (1977) prior to joining the NHL for the 1979-80 season. The Nordiques had moderate success in the NHL, making the playoffs nine times in their 16 seasons; however, they fell short of advancing past the conference finals. Following the 1994-95 season, mounting financial struggles led to the team being sold and relocated to Denver, Colorado, where they became known as the Avalanche. The Avalanche found immediate success by winning the Stanley Cup in their first season after relocation and captured another championship in 2001. More recently, the team won its third Stanley Cup in 2022.

Colorado Avalanche’s Pavel Francouz Announces Retirement
|

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz announced his retirement from the NHL on Friday. Francouz missed the entire season due to a lower-body injury and returned to his native Czechia with his family. The 33-year-old’s impact on the Avalanche was great despite making just 64 starts and 73 appearances for the team over four seasons. He was a member of the club as they grew and developed into the one that won the Stanley Cup during the 2021-2022 season; he played a pivotal part in the run while serving as a reliable backup goaltender at other times. Francouz’s History and Impact…

NHL Rumors: Penguins, Red Wings, Senators, Bruins, Oilers
|

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Kyle Dubas spoke with the media about the Pittsbrugh Penguins’ plans moving forward and particular players. Meanwhile, Patrick Kane is looking for term on his next contract. Does that rule out a return to Detroit? Did the Edmonton Oilers make a huge mistake heading into the postseason? Finally, as the Ottawa Senators look to address their goaltending in the offseason, will they be reaching out to the Boston Bruins? Dubas on Ryan Graves, Kris Letang, and Sidney Crosby In his post-season address, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas offered updates on a few key players. First, he…

Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon Sets Single-Season Franchise Record
|

The Nathan MacKinnon show continues. Even in the final game of the regular season with nothing on the line, the former first-overall pick from 2013 is setting records. On this night, he was breaking the Colorado Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques’ single-season franchise record for points with his 140th. The previous one was held by Peter Stastny, who had 139 in 1981-82 for the Nordiques. MacKinnon tied the record with the secondary assist on Mikko Rantanen’s 42nd of the season and broke it with the primary assist on Valeri Nichushkin’s 28th. The Avalanche superstar now has 51 goals and 89 assists, four points…

Substack The Hockey Writers Colorado Avalanche Banner

 

 

More Avalanche News, Opinion and Archives

Avalanche FAQ

What year were the Colorado Avalanche founded?

The Colorado Avalanche began as a World Hockey Association (WHA) franchise, the Quebec Nordiques, for the 1972-73 season.

When did the Colorado Avalanche play their first game?

They played their first NHL game (as the Quebec Nordiques) on Oct. 10, 1979, a 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Flames. 

Who is the current head coach of the Colorado Avalanche?

Jared Bednar is the current head coach for the Colorado Avalanche.