Here is a look at the key stories surrounding the Colorado Avalanche, along with their schedule and outlook for the week of March 15-22, 2026.
The Return of Nazem Kadri
The biggest ongoing storyline is the Avalanche’s blockbuster trade-deadline move to reunite with 35-year-old veteran center Nazem Kadri.
Acquired from the Calgary Flames (who retained 20% of his $7 million salary), Kadri brings depth, veteran leadership, and championship pedigree from Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run. Head coach Jared Bednar has already placed him on a line with Nathan MacKinnon, and the duo has immediately rekindled their chemistry.
Nathan MacKinnon’s Rescinded Game Misconduct
MacKinnon is in the news after the NHL reversed a major penalty and game misconduct he received on March 10 against the Edmonton Oilers. MacKinnon crashed into Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram, but the league agreed with Bednar’s assessment that MacKinnon was pushed into the crease by Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. This reversal means MacKinnon avoids an automatic one-game suspension for any future game misconducts this season.
MacKinnon’s MVP-Caliber Pace & Team Stats
Despite a recent 3-1 road loss to the Winnipeg Jets on March 14, the Avalanche are having a stellar season. MacKinnon is dominating the stat sheets, currently sitting at 109 points (44 goals, 65 assists) in just 64 games. Offseason acquisition Martin Necas has also been a massive success, contributing 80 points so far.
New Prospect Signing
Looking toward the future, Colorado recently signed 23-year-old Swedish defenseman Gustav Stjernberg to a two-year entry-level contract. Stjernberg, who recently wrapped up his collegiate career at Bowling Green State University, will finish this season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Colorado Eagles before his NHL contract officially kicks in for the 2026-27 season.
Avalanche Upcoming Schedule
The Avalanche are heading into a busy four-game week. Coming off yesterday’s loss to the Winnipeg Jets, they will look to bounce back during a two-game homestand before hitting the road for the weekend. The midweek matchup against the Dallas Stars will be a heavy-hitting Central Division battle, as both teams are currently sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (EDT) |
| Monday, March 16 | vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | Ball Arena | 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday, March 18 | vs. Dallas Stars | Ball Arena | 9:30 PM |
| Friday, March 20 | @ Chicago Blackhawks | United Center | 8:30 PM |
| Sunday, March 22 | @ Washington Capitals | Capital One Arena | 12:30 PM |
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