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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.

Today in Hockey History: March 25

Today’s date in National Hockey League history has been all about things happening for the first time, both in the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. The greatest player of them all had one of the biggest firsts in league history. Let’s take our daily trip back in time to relive all the top moments from March 25. Gretzky Does the Unthinkable On March 25, 1982, Wayne Gretzky accomplished something many thought could never be done; score 200 points in a season. He entered the game against the Calgary Flames with 199 points. Early in the first period, he assisted…

Avalanche Firmly in Top Tier of Contenders for 2024 Stanley Cup

Depending on how you view the Colorado Avalanche‘s success in recent seasons, stating that the team has returned to the top tier of Stanley Cup contenders may seem puzzling. They currently boast a record of 46-20-5, have never dropped into a wild card spot at any point this season, and have generally hovered around the top of the Western Conference standings for most of the campaign. Yet, the team struggled to play up to its usual standard despite the positive run of results. In particular, the offseason acquisition of center Ryan Johansen fell flat as the veteran pivot looked out…

Colorado Avalanche All-Time Starting Lineup

There is a lot of history behind the Colorado Avalanche franchise. Before it was based out of Denver, playing in burgundy and blue jerseys as it is now, the team was North of the border wearing powder blue threads as the Quebec Nordiques. Founded in 1972, the team has seen its fair share of historic talents pass through its ranks and that did not change after its relocation to Colorado in 1995. With several Hall of Fame players and many great teams that went on to win two Stanley Cups, we take the best of the best at each position…

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Revisiting the Nazem Kadri Trade

When the Toronto Maple Leafs completed their 2018-19 season, they had failed once again to get past the dreaded Boston Bruins during the first playoff series. When the season concluded, general manager Kyle Dubas had some heavy lifting to do. His defense was weak and, as the general manager, he…

Grading Avalanche’s Trade for Yakov Trenin

The Colorado Avalanche continue to be one of the most active teams ahead of tomorrow’s 3 PM trade deadline. After acquiring Sean Walker and Casey Mittelstadt in separate trades, GM Chris MacFarland strengthened the team’s bottom-six by acquiring Yakov Trenin from the Nashville Predators. Here are the full details of the deal: Trenin is…

 

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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.