3 Colorado Avalanche With the Most to Prove in 2026-27

The Colorado Avalanche, despite bowing out in the Western Conference Finals, remain the class of the conference. Joe Sakic, back in the role of general manager after the departure of Chris MacFarland, deserves credit for his hand in building one of the strongest rosters in the league.

That said, the Avalanche have questions like any other team. As it stands, there are three players on the roster that have a lot to prove in the coming season, especially if the Avalanche hope to get over the hump and back to the top of the mountain for the first time since 2022.

Honorable Mention: Scott Wedgewood, Brock Nelson

Some feel that Martin Necas has something to prove, but it’s hard to include a guy that hit the 100-point mark for the first time. Wedgewood, however, is interesting because he not only had his best season ever but was so above the norm that it bears the question: Can he do it again? At 33, it may be a lot to ask but coming close to repeating last season would prove it wasn’t a fluke.

Nelson is in a similar boat. He had one of his best regular seasons, but criticism of his game has to do with the playoffs. He was one of the better Avalanche players during the Western Conference Finals sweep at the hands of Vegas but vastly underperformed to that point. If the Avalanche are going to hoist the Cup, their second-line center can’t be missing in action.

Gabriel Landeskog, W

The 2025-26 season was supposed to be a triumphant one for Gabriel Landeskog. After three full seasons lost due to a knee injury, Landeskog returned for the 2025 playoffs and looked much like the player he was years prior.

This past season, however, it was trial after trial. Landeskog was hurt multiple times, including at the hands of his own teammate. He did end up suiting up in 60 games, scoring 14 times and registering 35 points. All things considered, it could have gone worse.

He will turn 34 this season. A return to health is important; just as important as returning to being a 50-60-point player. If he doesn’t at least look similar to the Landeskog of old, the Avalanche’s top-six depth will take a serious hit.

Jaden Schwartz, W

The Avalanche needed to make an addition or two after sending out Ross Colton and Valeri Nichushkin in separate trades. One of the strongest signings made was that of the veteran Jaden Schwartz, who should be an excellent third-line fit for the Avalanche.

For Schwartz, it has to be a welcome move. He spent the past five seasons with the Seattle Kraken, and it will no doubt be a welcome change to play meaningful hockey. He was also limited to 50 games, though he produced well offensively (11 goals, 26 points).

At 34 years old, Schwartz will want to prove that he’s not on the wrong side of his career trajectory. Even returning to 20-goal status would be a huge win for both sides. Given the strength of the Avalanche lineup, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for Schwartz to push the 25-goal threshold.

Mackenzie Blackwood, G

Going into the 2025-26 season, Blackwood was supposed to be the unquestioned starter for the Avalanche. It never came to fruition and Blackwood wound up ultimately ceding the starting job to Wedgewood as the latter had a career year.

Blackwood wasn’t bad – 23-10-2, .904 save percentage, 2.51 goals against average – but it wasn’t quite the level many expected. There was talk of him being a potential dark horse candidate for the Vezina Trophy entering the season, and it never even came close to happening.

With Wedgewood being significantly older, the door could still be open for Blackwood to claim the long-term starting role. It starts by staying healthy and finding consistency in his game, which should conversely take pressure off of Wedgewood as well.

Contenders with Another Gear?

The Avalanche remain major contenders because of a superstar core and strong depth pieces. They will be one of the most formidable teams in the Western Conference as a baseline. But can you imagine how good they will be if this trio steps their collective game up?

In the end, it could wind up being the difference between making a deep run and going all the way. As it stands, these three have something to prove to themselves as well as to their team.